On March 5, 2025, an Algerian court upheld the imprisonment of trade unionist and president of the National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Arts (SNFC), Ali Mammeri, while reducing his original sentence from 15 years to 10 years. This decision drew criticism from Amnesty International, which condemned the ruling as a violation of free expression and peaceful dissent.
Background of the Case
Ali Mammeri was arrested in March 2025 under controversial charges of “glorification of terrorist acts” and “dissemination of classified information.” These charges stemmed from his Facebook posts supporting other jailed activists and his communications with the International Labour Organization regarding workers’ rights. The allegations against Mammeri are rooted in a broader framework of Algeria’s “anti-terrorism” legislation, which has been criticized for being used to suppress dissent.
The laws associated with these charges are derived from Article 87 of Algeria’s Penal Code, which the United Nations Human Rights Committee has deemed “overly broad and vague.” Following his arrest, Mammeri was held without charge for an extended period, with his family reportedly denied information about his whereabouts.
Allegations of Torture and Human Rights Violations
During his detention, Mammeri has alleged that he was subjected to various forms of torture while being interrogated. He claims that he was coerced into making a confession, a claim that his family has formally contested but has not received any acknowledgment from the authorities.
Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated, “The court’s deeply unjust decision to uphold Ali Mammeri’s conviction on baseless charges is another clear assault on peaceful dissent and independent union activity in Algeria.” She emphasized the alarming implications this ruling holds for other trade unionists in the country.
Algeria is not only a signatory to various international treaties concerning human rights but is also bound by these agreements to uphold the principles contained within them. The continued detention of Mammeri raises significant concerns about the country’s adherence to international laws protecting civil liberties.
The ruling against Mammeri highlights ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression and the treatment of activists in Algeria. His case reflects broader issues regarding the rights of individuals to express dissenting opinions without fear of severe penalties.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor Algeria’s human rights practices, urging the government to adhere to its obligations under international law.
