Clement Voul, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and association, has issued a call to Algeria, urging the government to pardon individuals who were convicted or detained due to their participation in the pro-democracy protests that unfolded in 2019-2020.
In a press conference concluding his visit, Voul emphasized, “I urge the government to abandon charges and pardon those people convicted for their involvement in the Hirak, according to “France Presse.”
“This will also reflect recognition of Hirak as a turning point in Algeria’s commitment to move forward,” he added.
Although the UN rapporteur did not specify the exact number of individuals who would benefit from this amnesty, the National Committee for the Release of Detainees revealed that dozens of individuals associated with the pro-democracy movement or advocating for individual freedoms remain incarcerated in Algeria.
Voul, who arrived in Algeria on September 16th, highlighted the need for the government to address the climate of fear resulting from a series of criminal charges leveled against individuals, associations, unions, and political parties through overly restrictive laws.
Particularly, he singled out Article 87 of the Penal Code concerning “terrorist activities and undermining state security” and “the establishment of associations and organizations,” which the authorities classify as “terrorist.”
Voul argued that this broadly interpretable article, which carries the death penalty, “needs to be repealed” as it compels activists to practice self-censorship out of fear that their activities might be misconstrued.
The UN expert further urged the Algerian government to “allow civil society to criticize public policies,” noting that “active entities within civil society whom I met have called for recognition and cooperation as trustworthy partners in their country’s development.”
In a written statement distributed to journalists, it was asserted, “Creating a civil space that encompasses critical voices is essential for improving governance, policy-making, building participatory and sustainable democracy.”
Voul is scheduled to present a comprehensive report on his visit to Algeria before the UN Human Rights Council in June 2024. Algeria became a member of the council in early 2023 and will serve until 2025.
