UN Report on Algeria: Increased Repression Against Human Rights Defenders
Despite its international commitments, the Algerian military regime continues its systematic repression against human rights defenders. UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, has once again expressed her “deep concern” over the ongoing criminalization of peaceful activities in Algeria.
A Police State That Silences Dissent
While the international community had hoped for improvements following Mary Lawlor’s visit in 2023, the reality on the ground remains alarming. Algeria continues to employ vaguely worded laws, such as those related to “national security,” to suppress any critical voices.
Journalists, lawyers, and activists face arbitrary arrests, judicial harassment, prolonged detentions, and psychological pressure. This widespread repression clearly demonstrates the regime’s intent to impose a climate of fear and eliminate all forms of opposition.
Notable Cases of Persecution
Journalist and human rights activist Merzoug Touati is a prominent victim of this repression. After years of judicial harassment, he has been arrested three times since 2024. Reports indicate that during his most recent arrest, his family was mistreated, and he himself was subjected to physical and psychological torture.
Other prominent figures, such as lawyer Toufik Belala and human rights defender Soufiane Ouali, have also been targeted. Ouali was allegedly abducted during a violent police raid, highlighting the increasing militarization of Algeria’s judicial system.
A Civil Society Under Siege
Organizations and associations advocating for human rights face relentless restrictions. For instance, the Collective of Families of the Disappeared, which seeks to shed light on cases of enforced disappearances during Algeria’s civil war, is regularly prevented from organizing events.
Members of the collective, most of whom are mothers of missing persons, endure harassment and humiliation by security forces. This brutal strategy to suppress collective memory reveals the regime’s fear of any form of civic mobilization.
A Call to the International Community
Despite these serious human rights violations, many Western countries continue to maintain diplomatic and economic relations with Algeria, turning a blind eye to these abuses. This international silence only reinforces the military regime’s impunity.
It is imperative that the international community takes concrete measures, including imposing sanctions on those responsible for these violations. As a signatory to several international conventions, Algeria must be held accountable for its commitments.
The voices of human rights defenders must not be silenced. It is essential to expose these repressive actions and demand the immediate release of all political prisoners.
Source : Le7tv
