The Algerian Appeals Court has upheld the conviction of trade union leader Ali Mammeri, president of the National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Arts (SNFC), while reducing his sentence from 15 years to 10 years. This ruling, issued on March 5, 2025, has drawn significant criticism from humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International, which condemned the decision as a violation of free expression.
Mammeri was arrested in March 2025 under controversial charges of “glorification of terrorist acts” and “dissemination of classified information.” His arrest followed social media posts supportive of fellow activists and communications with the International Labour Organization regarding workers’ rights. These charges are rooted in Algeria’s extensive “anti-terrorism” legislation, which many argue has been weaponized to stifle dissent and silence opposition.
According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the legislation under which Mammeri was charged is excessively broad and vague, raising concerns about its potential misuse. Following his initial arrest, Mammeri was held without charge, and his family experienced significant difficulty obtaining information about his condition and whereabouts. He has alleged mistreatment during his detention, claiming he was subjected to torture and coerced into making a confession. His family has formally complained about these allegations, but their concerns have reportedly been ignored by authorities.
International Response and Legal Obligations
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 that the ruling sends a concerning message to other trade unionists in the country, potentially deterring them from advocating for workers’ rights.
Algeria is a signatory to several international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which obligates the nation to uphold fundamental human rights standards. Critics argue that the recent court ruling not only undermines these obligations but also reflects a broader trend of increasing repression against civil society in Algeria.
The case of Ali Mammeri highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and labor rights in Algeria. As international scrutiny of human rights practices continues to grow, many are calling for the Algerian government to reevaluate its approach to dissent and to ensure that voices advocating for change are protected rather than punished.
