The repression of civic space in Algeria, particularly in the lead-up to this month’s presidential election, is deeply concerning.

Development Diaries reports that Algerian authorities have maintained their repression of civic space by continuing their brutal crackdown on human rights, according to findings by Amnesty International.

It is understood that the government has also passed new legislation and a number of concerning legislative adjustments in the last two years that seriously undermined human rights.

The most notable of these amendments was made to the penal code in April 2024.

These measures have created an environment of fear and repression, where individuals and organisations are increasingly unable to express their views or mobilise for change without the threat of persecution.

The Algerian authorities’ sustained crackdown on human rights, including the suppression of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, represents a blatant disregard for the fundamental rights of Algerians.

It is an undermining of the democratic process.

In its Freedom in the World Report 2024, Freedom House ranked Algeria as ‘not free’, with the country scoring 32 points out of a possible 100.

The international community must not remain silent in the face of such blatant human rights violations. It is imperative that Algeria be held accountable for its actions, and that pressure be applied to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

The upcoming elections cannot be considered free or fair if they take place in a climate of intimidation and repression, where the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association are systematically denied.

In condemning this repression, we stand in solidarity with the people of Algeria who continue to fight for their rights despite the formidable obstacles they face.

Development Diaries calls on the government of Algeria to end the repression of civic space and take immediate steps to restore the rights and freedoms of its citizens ahead of the elections.

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