The European Parliament adopted, this Thursday, almost unanimously a resolution denouncing attacks on human rights and freedoms in Algeria. The situation of Boualem Sansal, an imprisoned writer, was particularly highlighted, alongside numerous violations of fundamental rights in the country.
With 533 votes for, 24 against and 48 abstentions, the European Parliament expressed its concern about the deterioration of the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Algeria. At the initiative of five parliamentary groups, including the Patriots for Europe (PPE) and the Greens, this resolution calls for the immediate release of Boualem Sansal, the octogenarian writer imprisoned for expressing an opinion, as well as others prisoners of conscience. The MEPs denounce the repeated violations of human rights, in particular the conditions of Sansal’s detention: lack of communication with his relatives, interrogation without a lawyer and non-compliance with international standards.
An Algerian context marked by increased repression
The violations pointed out by the resolution are not limited to the case of Boualem Sansal. She also discusses the arrest of journalist Abdelwakil Blamm and writer Mohamed Tadjadit, as well as the conditions of detention of many human rights defenders and political activists. Changes to the Algerian penal code in 2024, which significantly restrict freedom of expression, are also in question. These reforms are in contradiction with Algeria’s international commitments, in particular its adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The text highlights that Algeria has fallen to 139th place in the world in terms of press freedom in 2024, while journalists face increasing pressure, arbitrary detentions and accusations of collusion with foreign powers. According to human rights defenders, the country currently has 215 prisoners of conscience.
The EU-Algeria partnership in question
-The resolution goes beyond criticism by sending clear demands to the Algerian authorities. She urges them to review repressive laws, in particular articles 87 bis, 95 bis and 196 bis of the penal code, and to guarantee the independence of the judiciary. MEPs also emphasize the importance of press freedom, enshrined in article 54 of the Algerian Constitution.
Furthermore, the European Parliament explicitly links the renewal of the EU-Algeria partnership agreements to substantial progress in respect for the rule of law. European financial aid, which amounted to 213 million euros between 2021 and 2024, could be reassessed if no notable improvement is noted.
Increased international pressure
Finally, the institutions of the European Union are invited to publicly express their concerns to the Algerian authorities and to organize a medical mission to assess the state of health of Boualem Sansal. The President of the European Parliament undertook to transmit this resolution to the Algerian authorities, translated into Arabic, in order to ensure direct and explicit communication.
This text reflects the determination of the European Union to defend fundamental freedoms, while maintaining political and financial pressure on a key partner in the Mediterranean.
