The Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeal in Relizane issued its ruling on Sunday, July 27, 2025, upholding the initial verdict against human rights activist Abdellah Benaoum, sentencing him to 18 months in prison, a fine of 200,000 Algerian dinars, and deprivation of his civil and political rights for five years.
This ruling follows the appeal of the judgment handed down by the Oued Rhiou Criminal Court on April 30, 2025.
Benaoum faced charges of spreading false information that could undermine public order and security, based on Article 196 bis of the Penal Code, in addition to the publication of content deemed harmful to national interest, under Article 96 of the same law.
He was tried under the immediate appearance procedure, and was placed in custody immediately after the initial ruling.
His arrest took place on the morning of Thursday, April 24, 2025, when internal security forces (intelligence services) apprehended him in the city of Relizane. His home was thoroughly searched, and all phones and electronic devices belonging to him and his family were confiscated.
