Amnesty International denounced on Thursday the conviction of Algerian activist, Hadj Ghermoul, to six months in prison and a fine for posting a Facebook photo showing him holding a placard opposing a fifth term in office for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. “The conviction of Hadj Ghermoul is a severe blow for freedom of expression in Algeria. It called on the Algerian authorities to cancel Hadj Ghermoul’s conviction and release him immediately and unconditionally. Hadj Ghermoul is member of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights (LADDH) and member of the National Committee for the Defense of the Rights of the Unemployed (CNDDC). It condemned the prosecution in Algeria of peaceful critics, including human rights defenders, in unfair trials, and the forced closure of media outlets.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 08, 2019 14:15 UTC