On Monday, 19 October 2026, the Annaba Court of Appeal upheld the judgment against activist Houria Bekkouche, sentencing her to one year of suspended imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 Algerian dinars, over posts she published on the social media platform Facebook.
The decision followed an appeal hearing held on 12 October 2026, after an appeal was lodged against the initial judgment issued by the Berrahal Court in Annaba Province on 5 May 2026, which had imposed the same sentence.
Houria Bekkouche was prosecuted on the charge of “displaying to the public a publication likely to harm the national interest,” under Article 96 of the Algerian Penal Code, in connection with Facebook posts in which she expressed her opinions.
The activist has previously faced several judicial proceedings related to her activism and expressed views, resulting in court judgments against her. This latest case therefore represents another episode in a series of prosecutions linked to her activism and the expression of her opinions.
This case highlights the continued prosecution of individuals for expressing their views on social media and the resulting criminal penalties, which may affect citizens’ ability to exercise their right to freedom of expression.
SHOAA for Human Rights considers the prosecution of activists for their peaceful opinions and social media posts a violation of freedom of expression, even when the prison sentences imposed are suspended. The organization calls for an end to such prosecutions, the annulment of judgments arising from the peaceful exercise of this right, and respect for fundamental freedoms in Algeria.
