Members of the European Parliament have strongly condemned the human rights violations perpetrated by the Algerian authorities in a bid to muzzle peaceful protesters demanding an end to corruption, the departure of the ruling political elite, and the establishment of a civilian and inclusive democracy. In a resolution adopted Thursday, the MEPs expressed deep concern over the human rights breaches and the lack of freedoms in Algeria. They denounced the arbitrary and unlawful arrest and detainment of peaceful demonstrators, attacks and intimidations of journalists, trade unionists, lawyers, students, civil society activists and human rights defenders. They called on the European External Action Service, the Commission and the Member States to support civil society groups, human rights defenders, journalists and protesters, including by arranging prison visits, monitoring trials and issuing public statements, to support the UNOA Commission and other organizations acting in the defense of human rights, and to closely monitor the human rights situation in Algeria, using all available instruments, including the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights. For the MEPs, the solution to the Algerian political crisis should be based on a peaceful and inclusive political process.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 28, 2019 18:22 UTC