UN Warns of Systematic Repression of Human Rights Defenders in Algeria
During the seventeenth meeting of the fifty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council held this Wednesday, Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, presented a report highlighting the threats and challenges these activists face worldwide in their fight to protect fundamental freedoms.
Mary Lawlor expressed deep concern over the increasing pressure on civil society actors in Algeria, who operate in a repressive environment marked by constant intimidation and harassment.
In her remarks on the situation in Algeria, she pointed out the various forms of pressure targeting human rights defenders, particularly those involved in sensitive issues such as combating corruption, enforced disappearances, minority rights, environmental protection, and fundamental rights violations.
She also noted that many activists operate in a climate of fear, with some being forced to cancel their meetings at the last minute out of fear of possible retaliation.
Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur denounced the frequent use of Article 87 bis of the Algerian Penal Code, which allows authorities to charge human rights defenders with terrorism due to their activities. She argued that the definition of terrorism in this article is overly vague, leaving it open to arbitrary interpretations and enabling unjustified arrests.
In response to these abuses, Mary Lawlor urged Algerian authorities to review this article and adopt a clear definition that aligns with international standards, free from discriminatory interpretations.
She also emphasized the need to implement the recommendations outlined in her report, reaffirming her commitment to continuing dialogue to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders in Algeria.
