Algeria: Government’s Assault on Freedoms Threatens Democracy and Press Freedom

Algerian Government‘s Crackdown on Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Activism

Rising Arrests and Charges against Activists and Journalists

Amnesty International has launched a new campaign calling on the Algerian government to end its relentless assault on freedom of expression and peaceful activism. Dozens of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders in Algeria are currently in prison, and the government continues to make more arrests and bring further charges against individuals exercising their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. This crackdown on dissenting voices has caught the attention of the international community, as the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association visits the country to assess its human rights situation.

Amnesty International’s Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Heba Morayef, criticizes the Algerian government, stating that no one speaking out against the government is safe. Students, the elderly, and anyone deemed a threat for expressing their opinions have faced harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests. Morayef insists that the government‘s crackdown should end immediately, and all individuals arrested for peacefully expressing their views or criticizing the government, including journalists and media workers, should be released unconditionally.

In the past two years, the Algerian authorities have prosecuted, arrested, or detained at least 12 journalists and media workers. In 2023 alone, five journalists have been prosecuted, two media companies shut down, and one media outlet suspended for 20 days. Recent cases include the sentencing of journalist Mustapha Bendjama and researcher Raouf Farrah to two years in prison and a fine of 200,000DA. Charges against them were unfounded and based on accusations of “publishing classified information” and receiving funds from international sources with the intent to harm public order. Journalist Ihsane El Kadi’s prison sentence was also increased from five to seven years, with two years suspended.

Attacks on Freedom of Assembly

While the protests that erupted in Algeria in 2019 have been suppressed, the government continues to use restrictive laws to curtail the right to peaceful assembly. Laws such as Article 15 of Law 90-91 on Public Meetings and Demonstrations, which requires preapproval for public gatherings, impede the exercise of this fundamental right. In August, authorities arrested at least 40 activists to prevent a gathering in Ifri, a city east of Algeria, that aimed to commemorate the 1956 Soummam congress. Although the activists were released later in the day, these measures to prevent peaceful assembly are contradictory to the protection of this right.

Mohamed Tadjadit, known during the Hirak protest movement as “the poet of Hirak,” has been repeatedly targeted by the Algerian government. He has been arrested multiple times for participating in peaceful protests and expressing his right to freedom of expression. During his arrests, Mohamed has faced ill-treatment, including physical violence from prison authorities. Furthermore, the government has used baseless terrorism charges to target activists who expressed themselves on social media or belonged to oppositional groups.

Attacks on Freedom of Association

The Algerian government has also targeted human rights organizations and political parties. The Youth Action Rally (RAJ) was forced to dissolve, and the Democracy and Social Movement (MDS) party suspended its activities. Additionally, the authorities directed a targeted attack towards the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH), the country’s oldest independent human rights organization. In January, the government closed LADDH’s affiliate organization in Tizi Ouzou, blocked access to their center in Bejaia, and dissolved the organization itself following a complaint filed by the Ministry of the Interior in June 2022.

Editorial: Upholding Democratic Values and Human Rights in Algeria

The Algerian government‘s assault on freedom of expression, peaceful activism, and human rights is deeply concerning. The crackdown on dissenting voices, the arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment of detainees, and baseless charges against journalists and activists reflect a disheartening erosion of democratic values in the country.

Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights that should be protected and valued by any government committed to democratic principles. Restricting these rights undermines the principle of open dialogue, stifles diverse opinions, and ultimately weakens democratic institutions. The Algerian government‘s actions risk suppressing voices that offer a necessary check on power, preventing the growth of a diverse and informed civil society.

International scrutiny, including the visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, provides an opportunity for the Algerian government to address these concerns. Constructive engagement with the Special Rapporteur and ensuring unfettered access during their visit is essential. Additionally, the government should release all individuals who have been arrested solely for expressing their opinions or criticizing the government, including journalists and media workers who have faced vague and overbroad charges.

Advice: A Call for Reform

To restore trust in its commitment to human rights and democracy, the Algerian government should take the following steps:

1. Respect Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly

The Algerian government should repeal laws that restrict the right to peaceful assembly and revise legislation that has been used to criminalize freedom of expression. The preapproval requirement for public gatherings should be eliminated to ensure that citizens can assemble and express their views without unnecessary obstacles.

2. Cease Arbitrary Arrests and Ill-Treatment

The government should immediately end the trend of arbitrary arrests, harassment, intimidation, and ill-treatment of activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Safeguarding their right to express their opinions without fear of reprisal is crucial for a healthy democracy.

3. Release Detained Individuals and Drop Baseless Charges

All individuals who have been arrested solely for peacefully expressing their opinions or criticizing the government should be released immediately and unconditionally. The charges brought against journalists and activists should be dropped, as they are often vague and overbroad, allowing for the abuse of power.

4. Engage with International Organizations and Civil Society

The Algerian government should actively cooperate with international organizations, such as the United Nations, and engage in sincere dialogue to address concerns about human rights and democratic values. Protecting and supporting civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and journalists is vital in fostering a free and vibrant democracy.

Ultimately, only through meaningful reform and a renewed commitment to upholding democratic values can the Algerian government regain the trust of its citizens and the international community. The protection of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and human rights is not only essential for the people of Algeria but also for the stability and progress of the country as a whole.

Freedom-wordpress,Algeria,government,assault,freedoms,democracy,pressfreedom