SHOAA condemns the imprisonment of activists from the “Manich Radi” campaign and believes that the escalation undermines efforts for calm

The Chouaa Organization for Human Rights expresses its deep concern over the ongoing wave of arrests carried out by Algerian authorities, despite the announcement of a presidential pardon and measures to ease tensions on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. These measures were expected to contribute to calming the political situation in the country. However, on Thursday, December 26, 2024, activists, including Elias Sleij, Sofiane Rebai, Mohamed Said, and Rayan Meki, were detained for their participation in the “Manich Radi” hashtag campaign, which went viral on social media, where they peacefully voiced their protests against the economic, social, and political conditions in Algeria.
These arrests confirm that the authorities continue to suppress public freedoms and restrict freedom of expression, thereby exacerbating feelings of frustration and distrust towards the government instead of easing tensions. While the presidency announced the pardon as a step toward de-escalation, the crackdown on critical voices peacefully expressing their rejection of current policies has persisted.

Chouaa asserts that this escalation of arrest campaigns entirely undermines any talk of easing measures or a genuine desire to achieve national dialogue. The organization calls for the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience, emphasizing the necessity of respecting fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.

The organization reiterates its call for Algerian authorities to demonstrate political courage and commit to ensuring the respect of fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Algerian Constitution and international treaties ratified by Algeria, including the right to freedom of expression. It also renews its call for genuine political openness and a free media in Algeria.

Link to SHOAA’s article here