Amnesty International has condemned an Algerian court’s decision to uphold the conviction of trade unionist Ali Mammeri, while reducing his sentence from 15 years to 10. Mammeri, who serves as the president of the National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Arts (SNFC), was imprisoned on charges related to “glorification of terrorist acts” and “dissemination of classified information.” His arrest occurred in March 2025, following social media posts that supported other detained activists and communications with the International Labour Organization regarding workers’ rights.
The ruling has prompted significant backlash, with human rights advocates highlighting the Algerian government’s use of “anti-terrorism” laws to suppress dissent. These laws, particularly stemming from Article 87, have been criticized by the United Nations Human Rights Committee as being overly broad and vague. Following his arrest, Mammeri was reportedly held without charge, and his family faced difficulties in obtaining information regarding his detention. Allegations of torture during interrogation have been raised, with Mammeri claiming that he was coerced into giving a false confession.
The response from Amnesty International has been strong. Diana Eltahawy, the organization’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated that the ruling represents “another clear assault on peaceful dissent and independent union activity in Algeria.” Eltahawy emphasized the broader implications of this decision, warning that it sends a troubling message to other trade unionists in the country.
Algeria is not only a signatory to various international treaties regarding human rights but is also legally obligated to adhere to the standards set by these agreements. Advocates argue that continued violations of these principles could lead to increased scrutiny from the international community.
The case of Ali Mammeri is emblematic of the challenges facing activists in Algeria. As the government continues to employ stringent laws to control public discourse, the potential for legal and societal repercussions for dissenting voices remains high. Observers are calling for greater protections for civil rights and an urgent reevaluation of the legal framework that enables such actions against individuals advocating for workers’ rights.
This ongoing situation highlights the delicate balance between state security measures and the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly in the context of freedom of expression and association. The international response to Mammeri’s case may influence the broader discourse on human rights in Algeria and could potentially inspire activism both domestically and abroad.
