Five years after pro-democracy demonstrations swept Algeria, human rights concerns reignite as the government continues to restrict freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Amnesty International issued a report condemning the ongoing crackdown, urging authorities to respect fundamental rights.
The 2019 Hirak movement saw mass protests erupt against then-President Bouteflika’s attempt at a fifth term. Even after his ousting, demonstrations persisted, demanding broader political reforms within the post-independence system. However, the movement’s momentum halted in 2020 due to the pandemic and a ban on protests.
Amnesty’s report, based on firsthand accounts, reveals an alarming escalation in repression. Hundreds have been arbitrarily detained, including peaceful protesters, journalists, and activists, many of whom remain imprisoned.
“It’s a tragedy that five years on, after Algerians boldly demanded change, authorities resort to chilling repression,” said Heba Morayef, Amnesty’s regional director. She urged the immediate release of those detained solely for expressing their rights and called for an environment where free expression and dissent are not met with fear of reprisals.
Amnesty further highlights a tightening grip on dissent since 2021, with arrests targeting journalists, human rights defenders, and even whistleblowers. Independent journalist Ihsane El Kadi’s seven-year sentence for “charges related to his journalism” serves as a stark example. Algeria’s ranking of 136th out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index further underscores the concerning state of media freedom.
The report urges Algerian authorities to respect fundamental rights, release detained individuals, and create an environment conducive to free expression and peaceful assembly. The international community stands poised to observe if Algeria heeds these calls or continues down a path of stifling dissent.
