The United Nations (UN) has called attention to legal restrictions and prosecution of individuals and associations in Algeria.

Development Diaries reports that at least 280 activists, human rights advocates, and protestors were imprisoned at the end of 2022 on suspicion of peacefully exercising their right to free speech and assembly.

Recent observations by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to peaceful assembly and association, Clément  Voule, show that the North African country still struggles to provide space for civil society.

In its 2022 assessment report of Algeria, Amnesty International also noted that authorities continued to arrest and prosecute people who expressed dissent online or attended protests.

In addition, they proceeded to shut down or threaten to shut down associations while prosecuting nonviolent activists and journalists.

It is understood that since the beginning of the Hirak movement in the country, the movement has faced various challenges, including the arrest of activists, restrictions on protests, and attempts by the government to co-opt and control it.

There is an atmosphere of fear in the country due to a number of criminal accusations brought against people, groups, unions, and political parties under excessively restrictive regulations, such as anti-terrorism laws that violate Algeria’s duties under international human rights treaties.

Development Diaries calls on the Algerian government to loosen tight restrictions on assemblies and associations to make laws that align with its constitution and international human rights.

Photo source: Becker1999