Statement by SHOAA Organization on the 6th Anniversary of the Popular Hirak
On the 6th anniversary of the Popular Hirak, SHOAA Organization reaffirms that the will of the Algerian people for change remains unbroken, despite ongoing attempts to undermine the democratic process through policies of repression and restriction of freedoms. The Hirak was a pivotal moment in Algeria’s modern history, where millions took to the streets demanding a civil, democratic state based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. However, the authorities responded to these demands with traditional methods based on repression, marginalization, and political maneuvering.
Today, after six years, Algeria continues to live under a regime that refuses to meet the aspirations of the people, continuing to stifle freedoms, arrest activists, and restrict the press in a desperate attempt to turn back time. Every time the anniversary of the Hirak comes around, the authorities escalate their repressive campaigns, mistakenly believing that intimidation can silence the voices demanding democracy and respect for human rights.
SHOAA Organization strongly condemns these authoritarian practices that contradict the principles of good governance and human rights and affirms that Algeria will only emerge from its political, economic, and social crisis through a true democratic transition that responds to the will of the people and establishes a state based on transparency, accountability, and the separation of powers.
We, at SHOAA Organization, affirm that repression is not the solution, and the change process that began in 2019 is not over but has rather matured and become clearer. Building a new Algeria will not happen through the entrenchment of despotism, but by opening the political space for active forces to participate in shaping the country’s future, away from exclusion, repression, and narrow interests, while ensuring the respect of human rights.
In this context, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, who are held simply for expressing their opinions or peacefully participating in the Hirak. We also call for an end to arbitrary judicial prosecutions against activists, journalists, and all free voices calling for peaceful change, democracy, and human rights.
The regime’s continued disregard for popular demands and violations of human rights will only lead to further political and social tension. Therefore, we call on all national forces committed to change to unite and work together to enforce a peaceful democratic transition that fulfills the aspirations of the Algerian people for freedom, dignity, and justice.
