SHOAA Organization for Human Rights expresses its deep concern regarding the continued arrest campaign carried out by the Algerian authorities, despite the announcement of a presidential pardon and de-escalation measures on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at a time when it was expected that the pardon would contribute to calming the political situation in the country. Today, Thursday, December 26, 2024, activists were imprisoned: Ilyas Selij, Soufiane Rabiei, Mohamed Said, and Rayan Mekki, for their participation in the “Manich Radhi” hashtag campaign, which spread on social media platforms, where they peacefully expressed their protests against the economic, social, and political conditions in Algeria.
These arrests confirm the authorities’ continued approach of suppressing public freedoms and restricting freedom of expression, and they contribute to reinforcing feelings of frustration and distrust in the authorities instead of calming the situation. While the presidency was announcing the presidential pardon as a step towards de-escalation, repression continued against critical voices seeking to peacefully express their rejection of the policies pursued.
SHOAA Organization affirms that this escalation in arrest campaigns completely undermines any talk of de-escalation measures or a genuine desire to achieve a national dialogue. It also calls for the immediate release of prisoners of conscience, stressing the need to respect fundamental rights to freedom of opinion and peaceful protest.
The organization reiterates its call to the Algerian authorities to demonstrate political courage and commit to guaranteeing respect for fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Algerian constitution and international treaties ratified by Algeria, including the right to freedom of expression. It also renews its call for a genuine political and media openness in Algeria.
