Monthly Event Reports
December 2023 | Algeria adopts new laws on written, electronic and broadcasting media
The People’s National Assembly of Algeria enacted legislation aimed at safeguarding media freedom, repealing the previous ‘press offense’ law and introducing protections for journalists. The new law seeks to modernize the media landscape by regulating print, online, and audio-visual platforms, establishing a robust media system, and promoting professionalism. It emphasizes principles such as freedom of expression and access to information sources, while also providing protection against violence or insult during journalistic activities. Despite these advances, concerns remain about the government's commitment to press freedom, particularly in light of the ongoing detentions of journalists. This legislation is vital in the broader context of democracy and human rights in Algeria; however, its effectiveness will largely depend on its implementation and the government's adherence to the principles it enshrines.
October 2023 | Algerians defy ban to support Palestinians, government detains Islamic Party leaders
Amid the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, Algerians held their first major protests since the 2019 pro-democracy Hirak movement. Despite a ban on unauthorized demonstrations that has been in effect since 2021, hundreds gathered in the capital on 13 October to support Palestinians. This public pressure led to sanctioned pro-Palestinian protests on 19 October across multiple cities, albeit under strict police supervision due to fears of political exploitation by Islamists and former Hirak leaders. Separately, the Algerian government detained several high-ranking members of the now-banned Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) party following their criticism of the administration and warnings about potential security threats. Critics argue these detentions are unjustified and that the detained individuals should be immediately released, while the FIS calls for dialogue and an end to human rights abuses.
August 2023 | Two tourists on jet skis shot and killed by Algerian coast guard
A group of five Moroccan and French tourists on jet skis mistakenly crossed from Moroccan waters into Algeria around sunset on 29 August. An Algerian coast guard vessel intercepted them, and eventually fired on the group, killing two men. Another member of the group was taken into custody in Algeria. The Algerian government claims that the men refused to comply with repeated orders to stop, and that its coast guard fired ‘warning shots.’ The Moroccan government has opened an investigation into the incident. The land and sea borders between Algeria and Morocco have been closed since 1994.
May 2023 | Increased political repression rises international concern
On 11 May, the European Parliament issued a resolution urging the Algerian authorities to release all activists who are being detained without proper legal justification. The resolution puts diplomatic pressure on Algeria and highlights concerns over the arbitrary detention of activists, urging the Algerian government to ensure a fair and transparent legal process. In particular, the resolution called for the release of journalist Ihsane El Kadi who was recently sentenced to five years in prison on charges of state security. Additionally, Karim Tabbou (a prominent opposition figure from the Hirak movement) was arrested again on 24 May, raising further concerns about human rights and freedoms in the country. Tabbou has been detained by Algerian authorities on multiple occasions times since 2019 due to his political activism.
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