Algeria

Dozens of “Hirak” pro-democracy activists including journalist Khaled Drareni, are released as the movement takes to the street to mark its second anniversary. Rights groups call on the international community to urge Algerian authorities to end policies aimed at silencing peaceful free expression and assembly.

Amidst an escalating crackdown on civil society and freedom of expression, the European Parliament adopted an urgency resolution calling attention to the rapid deterioration of civic space and fundamental freedoms in the country.

Jailed solely for expressing critical views on the government’s crackdown on the Hirak movement, detained human rights activist Abdallah Benaoum’s health remains in critical condition, say human rights organisations who call for his immediate and unconditional release.

The Algerian authorities’ relentless prosecution and harassment of civil society and journalists undermines human rights as the country undertakes its democratic transition process, ahead of a constitutional referendum to be held on November 1st.

Tunisian organizations condemn the two-year prison sentence of Algerian journalist Abdelkrim Zeghileche, which comes amidst an ongoing campaign of repression against critics in Algeria and calls into question President Tebboune’s pledge for political reform.

For his reporting on the Hirak protest movement, journalist Khaled Drareni has been given a three-year sentence in a court ruling condemned by the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information. “I just did my job as an independent journalist,” said Drareni during his trial.

The prominent human rights defender and Hirak activist was arrested and sentenced on the same day for his criticism of authorities and participation in protests.

In an ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression, Algerian authorities have arrested over one hundred protesters and blocked Internet and social media sites.

Ahmed Benchemsi was detained while observing a pro-democracy demonstration in downtown Algiers; following his release, he was repeatedly summoned back for questioning by police who eventually placed him on a flight to Morocco on 19 August.

Independent news websites Tout Sur l’Algérie and Algérie Part have been widely inaccessible within Algeria since 12 June.

Reuters reporter Tarek Amara and TRT reporter Intissar Chelly were detained and deported from Algeria. Both had traveled to cover the ongoing anti-government protests.

Algerian journalist Lynda Abbou explains why protests that have swept the country in recent weeks were a pivotal moment for journalists frustrated at censorship.

Authorities should allow Algerians to assemble peacefully and refrain from using excessive force against demonstrators opposing a fifth term for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

RSF condemns the ten-year jail sentence that the Algerian blogger Touati Merzoug received yesterday from a court after more than a year in pre-trial detention.

Hadda Hazem accuses the Algerian authorities of strangling her Arabic-language newspaper financially and subjecting it to a “slow death.”

Journalists Reda Amrani and Rachid At Ali Uqasi were attacked as they were preparing to give a conference in northern Algeria to launch a TV channel promoting Kabyle language and culture.