On 11 September 2025, several United Nations experts issued a press release expressing their deep concern over the conviction of human rights defender Abdallah Benaoum. On 27 July 2025, the Relizane Court of Appeal upheld the initial judgment sentencing him to 18 months in prison, a fine of 200,000 Algerian dinars (approximately USD 1,500), and the deprivation of his civil and political rights for five years.
The experts explained that this case had been raised in a formal communication sent to the Algerian government on 9 July 2025 by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The communication remained confidential for 60 days to allow the government to respond, but no reply was received within this timeframe. The communication followed a referral by SHOAA for Human Rights under the UN special procedures mechanism.
According to the experts, Mr. Benaoum’s trial was marred by violations of due process, including arrest without a warrant, the use of force during his detention, and an expedited trial that did not allow him adequate time to prepare his defense. They also pointed out that the charges against him—related to the dissemination of what was considered “false information” or “harmful to national interest”—were drafted in vague terms that give authorities broad discretion to impose disproportionate restrictions on freedom of expression.
The experts stressed that these practices may constitute direct reprisals for Mr. Benaoum’s legitimate human rights activities, including defending the rights of workers, prisoners, and persons with disabilities, as well as documenting excessive use of force against protesters.
They further expressed concern about the repeated use of certain provisions of the Penal Code, particularly Articles 96 and 196 bis, to prosecute human rights defenders, journalists, and peaceful activists. Such practices, they noted, are inconsistent with Algeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and fair trial.
The experts requested the Algerian government to provide detailed clarifications regarding the legal basis for Mr. Benaoum’s arrest and conviction, and on measures taken to ensure that human rights defenders are protected from harassment or reprisals for their legitimate activities. They emphasized that the continuation of such violations undermines confidence in the rule of law and weakens the overall environment for fundamental freedoms in the country.
