Algerian authorities must immediately release and drop all charges against three defence lawyers arrested and prosecuted for defending their clients and exercising their right to freedom of expression, said Amnesty International today. Abderraouf Arslane’s trial opens on 14 June, more than a year after he was arrested. Arslane is being tried over charges stemming from his defence of political activists while lawyers Abdelkader Chohra and Yassine Khlifi are being tried for protesting the suspicious death in custody of an activist. “Algeria is obligated to protect people’s right to a fair trial, which cannot be done without proper legal representation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 14, 2022 14:37 UTC