Algeria frees top officials jailed during mass protests
4 years, 2 months ago

Algeria frees top officials jailed during mass protests

Al Jazeera  

Two former security chiefs and the younger brother of former President Bouteflika were given 15-year prison sentences in September 2019. An Algerian military appeals court on Saturday acquitted three top officials who were jailed in 2019 during mass protests, sources close to the officials said. The three – two former security chiefs and the younger brother of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika – were given 15-year prison sentences in September 2019 on charges of conspiracy against the state. Said was sentenced along with two former intelligence chiefs to 15 years in prison for “plotting” against the army and the state, and in February, a military court upheld that ruling.

Prison Court 2019 Mass Protests Hirak Bouteflika  president  prison  movement  frees  algeria  security  mass  jailed  court  hirak  protests  2019  officials  bouteflika

History of this topic

A Moroccan activist is sentenced to prison over protests against earthquake response
2 months, 2 weeks ago

A Moroccan activist is sentenced to prison over protests against earthquake response

Associated Press  

MARRAKECH, Morocco — A well-known Moroccan activist who led protests decrying the government’s earthquake response on Monday was sentenced to prison in a case that human rights advocates condemned as arbitrary and politically motivated. Said Ait Mahdi, the 32-year-old president of one of the earthquake-stricken region’s leading activist groups, was sentenced to three months behind bars and ordered to pay …

Algerian Government Pardons Journalist Ihsane El Kadi, Releasing 8 Others in Amnesty Gesture
4 months, 4 weeks ago

Algerian Government Pardons Journalist Ihsane El Kadi, Releasing 8 Others in Amnesty Gesture

Associated Press  

Algeria releases a journalist, Ihsane El Kadi, who emerged as a key voice during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. El Kadi was imprisoned for taking foreign funding for his media outlets and threatening state security. His release coincides with the 70th anniversary of the start of Algeria's revolution.

Algeria: Opposition leader Karim Tabbou given six-month suspended sentence
1 year ago

Algeria: Opposition leader Karim Tabbou given six-month suspended sentence

Al Jazeera  

Pro-democracy activist Karim Tabbou was sentenced to a ‘suspended’ six-month sentence, indicating he will not serve time. An Algerian court has issued a six-month suspended sentence and a 50,000 dinars fine to the prominent democracy activist Karim Tabbou, according to a local rights group. Previously, in 2020, Tabbou received a one-year suspended sentence after being convicted of “undermining national security”, …

Repressions grow in Algeria, is freedom of speech in danger?
1 year, 4 months ago

Repressions grow in Algeria, is freedom of speech in danger?

Al Jazeera  

The government, say its opponents, is even banning pro-Gaza protests, worried the spirit of the Hirak will rise again. At least 1,200 people have been jailed since 2019 in connection with participation in the Hirak, Algeria’s nationwide pro-democracy protest movement, or because of criticism posted online, he said. In February 2019, hundreds of thousands of Algerians came out for weekly …

Imprisoned Algerian journalist remains behind bars despite expected release
1 year, 4 months ago

Imprisoned Algerian journalist remains behind bars despite expected release

Associated Press  

CONSTANTINE, Algeria — An Algerian journalist who was expected to be released this week after serving a six-month sentence was kept behind bars in a move that surprised his attorneys and colleagues and underscored ongoing concerns about press freedom in the North African country. Mustapha Bendjama, the editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Le Provençal, has faced a raft of charges …

2 top officials of Tunisia’s moderate Islamist party arrested while its leader languishes in jail
1 year, 6 months ago

2 top officials of Tunisia’s moderate Islamist party arrested while its leader languishes in jail

Associated Press  

TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisian officials detained a former prime minister for questioning then freed him hours later early Wednesday, but jailed two top officials in the moderate Islamist Ennahdha party whose leader has been imprisoned, the official news agency said. According to Ennahdha, Ounissi, who is standing in for jailed party leader Rached Ghannouchi, was stopped Tuesday night by security …

One of the Egyptian activists behind the 2011 uprising freed from prison after presidential pardon
1 year, 7 months ago

One of the Egyptian activists behind the 2011 uprising freed from prison after presidential pardon

Associated Press  

CAIRO — One of the Egyptian activists behind the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak walked free from prison Saturday following a presidential pardon after spending nearly 10 years behind bars. Authorities released prominent activist Ahmed Douma from a prison complex outside Cairo where he was serving a 15-year sentence after being convicted of taking part in clashes …

Egyptian politician who vowed to run for president returns to Egypt, after relatives were detained
1 year, 10 months ago

Egyptian politician who vowed to run for president returns to Egypt, after relatives were detained

Associated Press  

LONDON — An Egyptian politician vowing to run in the country’s presidential elections next year returned to Egypt Thursday, days after announcing that his relatives had been detained. “I ask your permission for five days to spend in the bosom of my family who need me and I need them.” Next year’s presidential election is widely anticipated to be a …

Brother of Algerian ex-leader given 12-year graft sentence
2 years, 1 month ago

Brother of Algerian ex-leader given 12-year graft sentence

Associated Press  

ALGIERS, Algeria — An Algerian court has imposed a 12-year prison sentence on the younger brother of the country’s late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, after convicting him of corruption under his brother’s 20-year rule. Once seen as one of Algeria’s most powerful men, Said Bouteflika was an unofficial counsellor to the president — who died in 2021, about two years after …

Algeria president orders some protesters freed from jail
3 years, 8 months ago

Algeria president orders some protesters freed from jail

Associated Press  

ALGIERS, Algeria — In a gesture marking the 59th year since the end of colonial rule in Algeria, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Monday ordered the release of 18 youths imprisoned for their roles in the Hirak protest movement, and suggested that more releases will come. The arrests of protesters, along with new rules governing marches, have ended weekly peaceful demonstrations …

Algeria moves toward new gov’t after parliament elections
3 years, 9 months ago

Algeria moves toward new gov’t after parliament elections

Associated Press  

ALGIERS, Algeria — Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerrad offered his resignation Thursday following June 12 parliamentary elections, but was mandated to stay in office until a new government is formed. During a meeting, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune asked him to keep handling affairs until the new government is in place, a task that must be completed within 30 days. The FLN …

Algeria arrests prominent journalists, activist before election
3 years, 9 months ago

Algeria arrests prominent journalists, activist before election

Al Jazeera  

Amnesty says arrests of Khaled Drareni, Ihsane El Kadi and Karim Tabbou are evidence of ‘chilling escalation’ in the clampdown on dissent. On Friday, Amnesty International said the arrest of journalists Khaled Drareni and Ihsane El Kadi, as well as of popular activist Karim Tabbou, were evidence of “a chilling escalation” in the clampdown on dissent. “Instead of rounding up …

Hundreds arrested as Algeria cracks down on protest movement
3 years, 10 months ago

Hundreds arrested as Algeria cracks down on protest movement

Al Jazeera  

Several hundred protesters were arrested in Algeria as authorities ramp up efforts to quell a years-long protest movement that has demanded root-and-branch political reform. Heavy police presence in the capital prevented their weekly march from taking place, local media reports said, with police blocking roads and regular protest routes from early in the morning. “For the 118th Friday, ‘Algiers the …

Algeria: Opposition figure Karim Tabbou released on probation
3 years, 11 months ago

Algeria: Opposition figure Karim Tabbou released on probation

Al Jazeera  

Tabou was charged on eight counts, including ‘slander’, after he allegedly heckled an official. Karim Tabbou, a key figure in demonstrations that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019, was handed a one-year suspended sentence last year for “undermining state security”. “Algeria’s youth is determined to fight for their right to a dignified life,” Tabbou told AFP news …

Algeria police probe teen protester’s claim of sex abuse
3 years, 11 months ago

Algeria police probe teen protester’s claim of sex abuse

Al Jazeera  

The 15-year-old was arrested in Algiers during a protest as part of the pro-democracy Hirak movement. Algerian police said on Sunday they had launched an investigation after videos on social media claiming officers sexually abused a teenage boy arrested during anti-government protests sparked fury. The 15-year-old was arrested on Saturday in Algiers, the capital of the North African country, where …

Algerian students restart weekly protests cut off by virus
4 years ago

Algerian students restart weekly protests cut off by virus

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of students restarted their …

Algeria pro-democracy marchers try to revive Friday protests
4 years, 1 month ago

Algeria pro-democracy marchers try to revive Friday protests

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Protesters took to the streets of Algiers and other cities …

Algeria frees imprisoned journalist, pro-democracy activists
4 years, 1 month ago

Algeria frees imprisoned journalist, pro-democracy activists

Hindustan Times  

Algerian authorities freed an imprisoned journalist and more than 30 other pro-democracy activists Friday, in a conciliatory gesture ahead of the second anniversary of their Hirak protest movement. Journalist Khaled Drareni is greeted after his release from the Kolea prison, west of the capital Algiers, Algeria February 19, 2021. Chanting “Free and Democratic Algeria,” dozens of people gathered at the …

Algeria frees imprisoned journalist, pro-democracy activists
4 years, 1 month ago

Algeria frees imprisoned journalist, pro-democracy activists

Associated Press  

ALGIERS, Algeria — Algerian authorities freed an imprisoned journalist and more than 30 other pro-democracy activists Friday, in a conciliatory gesture ahead of the second anniversary of their Hirak protest movement. Chanting “Free and Democratic Algeria,” dozens of people gathered at the prison where journalist and activist Khaled Drareni had been held in Kolea, west of the capital Algiers. But …

Jailed Algerian journalist must be released, say UN experts
4 years, 6 months ago

Jailed Algerian journalist must be released, say UN experts

Al Jazeera  

UN independent experts call on Algerian authorities to release Khaled Drareni after he was handed 2-year jail sentence. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this two-year prison sentence imposed on a journalist who was simply doing his job and call on the Algerian authorities to reverse it and set Mr Drareni free,” the experts, who do not work for …

Algerian reporter sentenced to 3 years over protest coverage
4 years, 7 months ago

Algerian reporter sentenced to 3 years over protest coverage

Associated Press  

ALGIERS, Algeria — An Algerian journalist who played a prominent role in covering the country’s pro-democracy movement last year was sentenced Monday to three years in prison for inciting unauthorized demonstrations and attacking national unity. Drareni’s arrest in March drew widespread condemnation among protesters and media watchdog groups such as Reporters Without Borders. Reporters Without Borders, known by its French …

Algerian activist Bouraoui handed prison sentence: Lawyer
4 years, 9 months ago

Algerian activist Bouraoui handed prison sentence: Lawyer

Al Jazeera  

Bouraoui convicted on six counts, including ‘insulting the president’ and ‘insulting Islam’. Bouraoui, a 44-year-old gynaecologist, is a prominent activist in the “Hirak” protest movement that secured the resignation of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika last April. The mother-of-two was convicted on six counts, including “insulting Islam”, “insulting” President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and “incitement to violate lockdown” during the coronavirus pandemic. A …

Algeria rights groups say government cracking down on critics
4 years, 11 months ago

Algeria rights groups say government cracking down on critics

Al Jazeera  

Algiers, Algeria – When the well-known Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni was arrested by the police in late March there were no demonstrations on the streets of the North African country. “Algerian authorities must release Khaled Drareni from this ludicrous prison sentence and drop all charges against him.” The protest movement, also known as the Hirak, emerged after longtime ruler Abdelaziz …

Algeria since Bouteflika resigned in face of mass protests
4 years, 11 months ago

Algeria since Bouteflika resigned in face of mass protests

Al Jazeera  

Longest-serving president stepped down a year ago after months of demonstrations against his 20-year rule. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria’s longest-serving president, stepped down from power a year ago following months of relentless protests against his 20-year rule. Protesters began staging weekly demonstrations in February 2019 after the ruling National Liberation Front announced that Bouteflika, a wheelchair-bound 82-year-old rarely seen in public …

Algeria presses ahead with election amid protests
5 years, 3 months ago

Algeria presses ahead with election amid protests

Al Jazeera  

Demonstrators want root-and-branch political reform and the departure of the country’s ruling elite. ‘Civilian facade’ The military has been a key arbiter of power in Algeria since it gained independence from France in 1962, wielding influence over economic and political decision-making. “A civilian state not a military one,” or “Generals to the dustbin ” became new rallying cries among protesters …

Algeria: Bouteflika’s brother sentenced to 15 years in prison
5 years, 6 months ago

Algeria: Bouteflika’s brother sentenced to 15 years in prison

Al Jazeera  

Military court sentences Said Bouteflika, two ex-intelligence chiefs and leftist leader for plotting against state. A military court in Algeria has sentenced the brother of former President Abdulaziz Bouteflika to 15 years in prison for plotting against the state and undermining the army, according to state media. He was arrested in May, along with the two ex-intelligence bosses – Mohamed …

Algeria military court jails ex-leader’s brother, 2 generals
5 years, 10 months ago

Algeria military court jails ex-leader’s brother, 2 generals

Associated Press  

ALGIERS, Algeria — The influential brother of former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and two generals once in charge of intelligence have been jailed while under investigation for plotting against the state, a military tribunal said Sunday. A statement from the tribunal in Blida, south of Algiers, said the prosecutor appointed a judge to investigate the ex-president’s younger brother Said Bouteflika, …

Algeria’s president resigns following weeks of relentless protests
5 years, 11 months ago

Algeria’s president resigns following weeks of relentless protests

LA Times  

In this April 28, 2014, photo, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika sits in a wheelchair after taking the oath as president, in Algiers, Algeria. Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika quit his job Tuesday after nearly 20 years as ruler of the North African nation, succumbing to weeks of mass protests demanding he step down. Despite repeated concessions, including canceling plans for a …

Egyptian pro-democracy activist free after 5 years in prison
6 years ago

Egyptian pro-democracy activist free after 5 years in prison

Associated Press  

CAIRO — A leading Egyptian pro-democracy activist was freed from prison early Friday after serving a five-year sentence for organizing and taking part in protests, his family and lawyer said. To many, his imprisonment three years later — at a time when authorities imposed draconian laws banning public gatherings and unauthorized demonstrations — was another sign of Egypt’s return to …

Moroccan protest leader’s 20-year sentence sets off marches
6 years, 9 months ago

Moroccan protest leader’s 20-year sentence sets off marches

Associated Press  

TANGIERS, Morocco — Hundreds of protesters marched in Morocco’s capital Wednesday to denounce the convictions of a charismatic protest movement leader and three other activists, all given the maximum prison sentence of 20 years over mass demonstrations touched off by the death of a fish seller. “Take us all to jail,” ’'We are all Rif” and “State, beware” were among …

Algeria keeps lid on social unrest for now
14 years ago

Algeria keeps lid on social unrest for now

The Hindu  

The angry and determined men marched on Algeria’s Parliament, tossing aside metal police barriers in a bold display of defiance. “You can buy silence and peace, but it can’t last for long,” said Mostefa Bouchachi, a human rights lawyer who has led a now—fractured coalition of forces that drew thousands to two pro—democracy protest marches in Algiers in February - …

Discover Related