Amnesty International slams Algeria’s ‘repression’ of peaceful opposition
Amnesty International (AI) has denounced the Algerian authorities’ continued pursuit of Hirak activist Mohamed Takdjidit as evidence of their “repression” of “peaceful opposition.”
Takdjidit, known as the “poet of the Hirak,” has been arbitrarily detained for seven months over critical social media comments and private online conversations. Ahead of his scheduled trial today, July 18, AI called on the Algerian authorities to “release the activist and drop all charges against him as they stem solely from his exercise of his human rights.”
The London-based NGO condemned the “intransigence of the Algerian authorities” which is creating “a climate of fear for people who want to express critical views.”
“This is the fifth time Mohamed Takdjidit has been prosecuted since 2019,” said Heba Morayef, AI’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, noting that “his pre-trial detention for seven months is extremely unfair.”
She added that as the presidential election approaches in September, “it is essential that the Algerian authorities ensure that everyone, including those who criticize the government, can exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”
According to AI, the Algerian authorities have intensified their crackdown on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly over the past five years by targeting dissenting voices, whether they are protesters, journalists or individuals expressing their views on social media.
Since 2021, the Algerian authorities have repeatedly used baseless terrorism charges to silence those who express dissent.
