Algerian authorities continue to crack down on journalists and human rights activists through arbitrary arrests and prosecutions, using vague laws to criminalize freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) has expressed deep concern over these escalating violations,

warning that such repression threatens fundamental freedoms in the country.

The alarming trend was reinforced by recent statements from Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, who confirmed that Algeria has failed to uphold its commitments to public freedoms. Instead of ensuring the right to free expression, the government persists in prosecuting activists and journalists under ambiguous charges that violate international legal standards.

WJWC has documented multiple cases of judicial harassment against independent voices. Among them is journalist Merzoug Touati, who has faced repeated trials since 2024 and remains under a travel ban. Lawyer Toufik Belali has been summoned for interrogation several times before being accused of spreading false information. Meanwhile, lawyer Soufiane Wali, along with 14 others, has been arrested and charged under Article 87 bis of the Penal Code—legislation widely criticized as a tool to silence dissent.

The crackdown extends beyond journalists and lawyers. Lawyer Omar Boussaq is being prosecuted over a social media post, while environmental activist Karim Khima has endured prolonged legal harassment for his advocacy efforts, despite a recent acquittal. Authorities have also restricted human rights organizations, including Collectif des Familles de Disparu(e)s en Algérie (Collective of Families of Disappeared in Algeria – CFDA), which was banned from holding its meetings. Police forces surrounded the association’s headquarters in Algiers, forcing members to leave—further evidence of the state’s relentless suppression of civil society.

These actions confirm Algeria's ongoing policy of repression, directly contradicting constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and assembly. WJWC is calling on Algerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists and activists, whom human rights organizations estimate to number around 240.

The organization also demands the abolition of repressive laws, particularly Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, which is frequently misused to criminalize dissent. Additionally, WJWC urges Algeria to end all forms of harassment against journalists and human rights defenders and to align its domestic legislation with international agreements it has ratified.

Failure to reverse these authoritarian policies not only damages Algeria’s international reputation but also deepens its democratic regression and obstructs progress in human rights and freedoms. WJWC urges the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to maintain pressure on Algerian authorities, ensuring that they uphold press freedom and the fundamental rights of expression and assembly.