Monthly Updates
December 2022
On 24 December, Algerian authorities arrested Ihsane El-Kadi, a prominent journalist and director of Radio M and the Maghreb Emergent website, seen as Algeria’s last outlets for independent news. El-Kadi is known to be an outspoken critic of the military regime and one of Algeria’s most influential voices. This is the latest measure in the sustained crackdown on opposition by Algerian authorities since the Hirak protest movement in 2019-21, and the “culmination of a long persecution and endless judicial harassment" according to Reporters Without Borders.
November 2022
Algerian authorities launched an investigation into the enforced disappearances of activists missing since October. This is the latest incident in a worrying array of human rights violations in Algeria, where hundreds of activists and protesters have been arbitrarily detained, and dozens were subjected to torture and other ill-treatment at the hands of the security forces. Amnesty International has raised concerns and urged the government to ensure an effective and impartial investigation as serious human rights violations in Algeria have been spreading and escalating, and security forces responsible for these violations continue in impunity.
August 2022
Algeria’s former Interim Prime Minister, Noureddine Bedoui, was arrested on 23 August. Bedoui faces charges of corruption, mismanagement and violating the laws of public procurement during his tenure as the Governor of Constantine. Last year, the Algiers Judicial Council issued a 15-year prison sentence for former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia and a 12-year sentence for former Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, charged with misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and granting undue privileges. Events were regarded as a positive step by pro-democracy activists demanding an overhaul.