Algerian authorities continue to crackdown on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly five years after the Hirak protest movement first began, said Amnesty International in a press release. After the Hirak protest movement was halted due to Covid-19 in 2020, the Algerian authorities have stepped up their repression of peaceful dissent, targeting critical voices and political opponents. Dozens of peaceful protesters, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders continue to languish behind bars for criticizing the authorities. The NGO said human rights defenders, journalists, activists, and trade unionists should be able to exercise their rights and freely express critical views without fear of reprisals. The Hirak protest movement began in February 2019 when largely peaceful mass demonstrations took place across Algeria opposing then President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s re-election.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 24, 2024 15:12 UTC