Media release
Geneva, 2nd Jan
United Nations human rights experts have expressed deep concern over allegations of reprisals against Algerian human rights defenders who met with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
In a memorandum addressed to the Algerian authorities on October 30, 2023, the experts highlighted arbitrary charges, sentences, and harassment against defenders.
Notable incidents include the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of Human rights defender Ahmed Manasiri, resulting in a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 100,000 dinars. Moreover, human rights defender Malek El-Riahi was summoned for questioning regarding the motives, nature of speakers, and meeting content. Human rights defender Qasim Saeed and his wife Scheherazade Ben Fariawa also reported being followed and monitored.
UN Fears of Reprisals:
The experts expressed profound concern about reported acts of intimidation and reprisals against civil society representatives and human rights defenders participating in meetings with the United Nations Special Rapporteur. They also raised alarm at the use of specific criminal provisions, particularly Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, aimed at combating terrorism, to punish human rights defenders for their cooperation with the Special Rapporteur.
UN Demands from the Algerian Authorities:
The experts are calling on the Algerian authorities to:
– Determine the legal reasons for human rights defender Ahmed Manasiri’s arrest and clarify the reasons for his continued detention.
– Investigate the motives behind summoning human rights defender Malek El-Riahi.
– Ascertain if orders were issued to government officials to monitor participants in meetings with the Special Rapporteur.
– Implement measures to ensure the protection of these human rights defenders and guarantee their safe communication with UN entities.
