Rights Groups Denounce 'Concerning' Situation In Algeria

posted on January 31, 2023 | in Category International | PermaLink

Source: Agence France Presse
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Date: January 27, 2023

Three rights groups on Friday denounced what they called a deteriorating situation in Algeria, describing the government's actions as "more concerning than ever".

The Human Rights League (LDH), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) highlighted what they said was a constant attack on freedoms since 2019.

That was the year the Hirak protests unseated longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

"The deterioration of the human rights situation in Algeria is more concerning than ever," said the statement.

There has been a "permanent deterioration and clear violations of fundamental rights and freedoms" since the protests that started in June 2019, the statement added.

The situation had only worsened since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, they said, accusing the authorities of trying to crack down on the Hirak movement.

The statement referred to the closure last Sunday of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH) and the arrest and imprisonment of prominent journalist Ihsane El Kadi as recent examples of the crackdown.

The three groups called on the Algerian authorities to respect human rights as set out in the international treaties it has signed.

The Hirak protests continued for months, demanding the dismantling of the political system and its representatives, who have been in power for several decades.

Rights groups say hundreds of people have been arrested in relation to the movement.

© Agence France-Presse