The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the death of Algerian prisoner Abdelatif Ben Ahmed Rezk, aged 27, on the morning of Wednesday, 25 February 2026, while being held at the Al‑Jadida Main Reform and Rehabilitation Facility (B).
According to the information gathered by CFJ, the prisoner died after contracting pulmonary tuberculosis during his detention, amid allegations of negligence and the failure of prison authorities to provide necessary medical care. Reports also highlighted poor detention conditions, the absence of proper ventilation, and the unsuitability of the facility from a health perspective. In addition, sick and healthy prisoners were reportedly kept together, contributing to the spread of infection among detainees.
CFJ stressed that contracting a serious illness such as pulmonary tuberculosis requires specialized medical care and continuous follow‑up, and that deprivation of liberty does not strip detainees of their human dignity or their fundamental rights—most importantly, the right to healthcare equivalent to what is available outside places of detention.
The Committee noted that this incident constitutes a violation of Law No. (5) of 2005 on reform and rehabilitation institutions and its amendments, which guarantee prisoners’ right to adequate healthcare. It also contradicts obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), particularly Rule 24, which requires that appropriate healthcare be provided to all prisoners without discrimination.
CFJ emphasized that responsibility for supervision of reform and rehabilitation facilities lies with the Ministry of Justice, as the authority overseeing the Judicial Police. This responsibility includes ensuring compliance with human rights standards and promptly investigating any allegations of negligence or misconduct.
CFJ calls for an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Abdelatif Ben Ahmed Rezk, and for accountability for anyone found responsible for negligence contributing to his death. The Committee also urges a comprehensive review of health conditions inside reform and rehabilitation institutions, ensuring proper detention environments, separation of sick and healthy detainees, and the provision of immediate and regular medical care to all prisoners, in a manner that protects their rights to life, health, and human dignity.
