From demanding justice to security targeting
In a statement published on its official website, the Shoaa Human Rights Organization expresses its deep concern over the serious violations suffered by Mr. Fawzi Talaa, son of the forcibly disappeared Farid Talaa, who disappeared in 1998, following his arbitrary arrest on April 7, 2025, by the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) of the Constantine State Security Service.
This arrest is part of a continuing pattern of security harassment against Mr. Talaâ due to his human rights advocacy and his persistent calls to uncover the fate of his disappeared father. Despite submitting several complaints to judicial authorities, no serious action was taken, enabling the abuses to continue.
The arrest occurred without a judicial warrant or formal charges, in clear violation of constitutional guarantees of individual freedoms and the presumption of innocence. Even more troubling, an officer attempted to fabricate a charge by claiming drugs were found near Mr. Talaâ — an apparent effort to discredit and criminalize him.
During his detention, Mr. Talaâ was subjected to verbal abuse, psychological threats, and an unauthorized search of his mobile phone. When he objected, he was met with further insults.
After three hours of arbitrary detention, he was released without any legal justification and without any judicial proceedings a sign of the vindictive and personal nature of the arrest.
Shoaa emphasizes that the search for truth and justice is not a crime, and that the harassment of Mr. Talaâ is a serious violation of fundamental rights.
These actions also breach international treaties ratified by Algeria, such as:
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 7, 9, and 14),
The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Accordingly, Shoaa:
Strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest, mistreatment, and attempt to fabricate charges;
Demands an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation;
Urges Algerian authorities to fulfill their international obligations and end the systematic intimidation of human rights defenders.
