On Tuesday, 22 October 2025, the Criminal Chamber of the Blida Court of Appeal issued its decision in the case of lawyer Mr. Toufik Belala, upholding the verdict handed down by the Boufarik Court, while amending it to a two-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 20,000 Algerian dinars.
The Boufarik Court had previously issued, on 14 January 2025, a first-instance judgment sentencing Mr. Belala to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 Algerian dinars, on charges of “spreading false or harmful information likely to undermine public order and security,” pursuant to Article 196 bis of the Algerian Penal Code.
The prosecution is linked to posts published by Mr. Belala on his Facebook page, where he expressed his views on public issues and matters related to human rights in Algeria. Mr. Belala has also been facing continuous pressure due to his professional and human rights activities, particularly his defense of prisoners of conscience and advocates of fundamental freedoms.
The case of Mr. Toufik Belala stands as a clear example of the challenges and pressure faced by lawyers in Algeria when performing their professional duties and exercising their right to freedom of expression. It also reflects the Algerian authorities’ failure to uphold their international human rights obligations, notably the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
Principle 23 of these principles states:
“Lawyers, like other citizens, are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly. In particular, they shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action.”
The upholding of the sentence against Mr. Toufik Belala represents a serious indication of the deterioration of freedom of expression and the independence of the legal profession in Algeria. It also highlights an alarming trend towards restricting independent and human rights voices. This decision underscores the urgent need to review national laws and judicial practices to ensure compliance with international human rights standards, particularly those concerning freedom of expression, judicial independence, and fair trial guarantees.
In this context, SHOAA Organization calls for the immediate dismissal of all judicial proceedings against Mr. Toufik Belala, as well as against all lawyers prosecuted for performing their professional duties or defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. SHOAA further urges the Algerian authorities to respect their international commitments and to guarantee a safe and independent environment for the practice of law.
