Human Rights Watch Condemns Serious Human Rights Violations in Algeria
In its 35th annual World Report, Human Rights Watch examines the state of human rights in nearly 100 countries. The organization’s Executive Director, Tirana Hassan, noted in the report’s introduction a worrying global trend in which many governments have intensified crackdowns by arbitrarily detaining and imprisoning political opponents, activists, and journalists. Algeria was among the countries most criticized in this report.
Algeria Under Scrutiny
The report highlights the deterioration of freedoms in Algeria, where authorities continue to suppress opposition and restrict fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, press, assembly, and movement.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected in September in elections described as rigged, amid a climate of repression and the absence of political debate. Authorities continue to target critical voices, including activists, journalists, and lawyers, using repressive laws, particularly those related to counterterrorism. The estimated number of prisoners of conscience in Algeria is around 240.
Presidential Elections and Repression
During the September presidential elections, Abdelmadjid Tebboune claimed victory with 84.3% of the vote. The campaign took place under tense conditions, with dozens arrested for their peaceful activities or statements. This scenario echoes Tebboune’s rise to power in 2019 following elections opposed by the popular Hirak movement.
Freedom of Expression at Risk
Freedom of expression remains severely restricted. In 2024, arrests targeted activists, lawyers, journalists, and even social media users. Notable cases include Hirak poet and activist Mohamed Tajdite, who was repeatedly arrested on terrorism-related charges. Artists such as Jamila Bentouis and journalists like Fouzia Omrani were convicted for criticizing authorities.
Crackdown on Journalism
Press freedom continues to decline, with Algeria ranking 139th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ index. Many journalists have been arrested and imprisoned for critical publications, and media outlets such as Interface Media have been dissolved.
Violations of Freedom of Assembly and Organization
Peaceful gatherings and critical associations are regularly suppressed. Authorities ban human rights-related events and prosecute organizers. Activists, including members of the suspended Democratic and Social Movement party and human rights defenders like Mira Meghnach, have been arbitrarily detained.
Restrictions on Freedom of Movement
Since 2022, authorities have increasingly used arbitrary travel bans to silence dissent. Journalists and activists have been prevented from leaving or entering Algeria without clear justification.
Repressive Laws
New laws reinforce repression by criminalizing vaguely defined acts, such as “harming the reputation of security agencies” or “discouraging investment.” Authorities use an expanded definition of terrorism to target any form of opposition.
Migrant Rights Violations
Mass expulsions of African migrants persist. Between January and August 2024, approximately 20,000 people, including women and children, were deported and abandoned under dangerous conditions on the Niger border, often without legal proceedings or consideration of their individual circumstances.
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