SHOAA for Human Rights welcomes the decision issued by the Spanish National Court (Audiencia Nacional) – Criminal Chamber, Second Section, dated 27 January 2026, which ruled to reject the request to extradite former Algerian senator Abdelkader Djedei to the Algerian authorities. The Organization considers this development a positive step that reflects respect for international human rights standards, and stresses the importance of providing the necessary legal protection, as it continues to closely and consistently monitor the progress of this case.
The Organization notes that Mr. Abdelkader Djedei appeared before the Court on 26 January 2026 as part of the judicial proceedings related to the extradition request, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to his legal rights and his refusal of any measure that could undermine his freedom and security.
SHOAA affirms that this decision highlights the importance of respecting judicial independence and rejecting the misuse of international judicial cooperation mechanisms as tools to pursue opponents or silence critical voices. It also sends a clear message that the protection of rights and freedoms must not be subject to political considerations.
The Organization also renews its concern over the continued prosecution and harassment faced by Mr. Abdelkader Djedei, and considers that the pressures and legal actions against him reflect a repressive policy practiced by the Algerian authorities against dissenting voices.
In support of this case, SHOAA recalls that the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union unanimously approved, on 23 October 2025, during its 151st session, a decision to accept the complaint submitted by the Organization—on behalf of former senator Abdelkader Djedei—to the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, regarding the constitutional and parliamentary violations and judicial persecution he faced in Algeria due to his parliamentary work.
In this context, SHOAA calls on the Spanish authorities to continue upholding the legal and human rights protection of Mr. Abdelkader Djedei, in line with Spain’s international human rights obligations, and to ensure that he is not subjected to any measures that could threaten his safety or legal status.
The Organization also reaffirms its commitment to continuing to follow the case at both the international and legal levels, in coordination with its partners and relevant international mechanisms, in defense of freedom of expression, the independence of the legislative authority, and the protection of human dignity.
