On Monday, 12 October 2026, the Chéraga Court in Algiers sentenced political activist Boualem Boudissa to one year of imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 Algerian dinars, in connection with posts published on his Facebook account.
Boualem Boudissa appeared before the Chéraga Court on Monday, 28 September 2026, where he was tried on charges of insulting the President of the Republic, under Article 144 bis of the Algerian Penal Code; publishing and disseminating false or malicious news or information among the public that could undermine public security or public order, under Article 196 bis; and undermining the integrity and unity of the nation, under Article 79 of the Algerian Penal Code.
During the trial, the prosecution requested a sentence of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 Algerian dinars. The court subsequently postponed the delivery of its judgment until 12 October 2026, when the sentence was handed down.
Boualem Boudissa is a former prisoner of conscience. He was previously imprisoned in September 2022 and spent 16 months in M’Sila Prison before his release. His current prosecution follows this earlier period of deprivation of liberty.
SHOAA for Human Rights stresses that the peaceful expression of political opinions and positions, including criticism of the authorities and public officials on social media, falls within the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The organization considers that imposing prison sentences for peaceful expression contributes to restricting fundamental freedoms, shrinking civic space, and limiting participation in public debate.
SHOAA for Human Rights calls for the annulment of the judgment against political activist Boualem Boudissa and the dropping of the charges related to his peaceful expression of opinion. It also calls for an end to the criminalization of peaceful political expression and for guarantees that custodial sentences will not be used to restrict freedom of expression or deter citizens from participating in public affairs.
