Activist Djamila Bentouis was released on December 26, 2024, after serving part of her prison sentence, as part of the “calming measures” announced by the Algerian authorities. Bentouis had been convicted on charges related to the dissemination of false news that could undermine public security or public order, based on Article 196 bis of the Penal Code.
On September 18, 2024, the Criminal Chamber of the Algiers Judicial Council retried her case and decided to reduce her sentence to 18 months of effective imprisonment along with a fine of 100,000 Algerian dinars, in addition to a compensation payment of 500,000 Algerian dinars to the public treasury. This decision came after appealing the initial verdict issued by the Dar El Beida Court on July 4, 2024, which had sentenced her to two years of effective imprisonment.
Bentouis, who was imprisoned on March 3, 2024, faced charges based on the lyrics of a song she wrote and performed, which included criticisms of the arrests and repressive practices against Hirak movement activists. The song highlighted demands for democracy and the civil state, and was considered by the authorities as a breach of public order.
Earlier, specifically on May 26, 2024, the Indictment Chamber of the Algiers Judicial Council dropped the charge of “joining a terrorist group” against Bentouis, but maintained charges related to “undermining the safety and unity of the nation” and “spreading false news,” under the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, the organization “Shoaa” raised Bentouis’ case to UN experts, who on September 30, 2024, issued a statement calling on the Algerian authorities to release her, arguing that her trial contradicts the country’s international commitments in the field of human rights and freedom of expression.
