On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women designated by the United Nations, SHOAA renews its condemnation of the persecution faced by female activists and human rights defenders in Algeria, as well as the ongoing repressive policies of the authorities, including the arbitrary detention of women. This day presents an opportunity to echo SHOAA’s call to end these oppressive practices, cease the repression and imprisonment of women, and demand their release.
As of today, six female activists remain imprisoned in Algerian jails: Djamila Bentouis, Abla Kemari, Mira Meknach, Fatima Boudouda, Fouzia Amrani, and Lila Moudoub. They are detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression. Each of them has been arbitrarily detained, subjected to psychological torture, and faced trials lacking fair standards.
On September 30, 2024, UN experts issued a statement addressing the case of political prisoner and activist Djamila Bentouis, who was imprisoned on March 3, 2024, over a song she performed criticizing the Algerian regime. These experts deemed her detention arbitrary and unjust, violating her rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial.
On this occasion, SHOAA calls on Algerian authorities to cease targeting women, endangering their lives, and halting repressive measures and harassment against activists. SHOAA also demands the unconditional release of all detained women.
