Human Rights Watch Acknowledges Algeria's Important Role in Counterterrorism

Human rights organization “Human Rights Watch” reproached Algeria’s lack of efforts to upgrade human rights’ protection, because authorities continue to restrict freedom of assembly and association, and prohibit the meetings and protests.

However, HRW acknowledged the most important point that was recorded by Algeria, which is its role in the fight against terrorism.

Algerian authorities also limited the syndicalism rights, and often resorted to arrest and prosecution of the leaders and activists.

HRW, which is based in New York City, said; “Algerian authorities continue to restrict freedom of assembly, relying on provocative techniques, including blocking access to the sites of demonstrations, that are planned and arresting the organizers in advance, to prevent popular protests, even before their start. The incident of arresting activist Taher Belabbes, means that there are restrictions”.

With regard to freedom of expression, HRW attacked the way authorities deal with reporters; “Law of January 2012 abolished prison for journalists, but raised the fines on journalists who commit offenses that are related to the expression of opinion, including the crimes of defamation or contempt of the President, and state institutions.”

The most important positive point that “Human Rights Watch” acknowledged, was in the field of counter-terrorism, through citing of the Tiguentourine terrorist attack by adding; “Algeria had strengthened its role as a regional player in the field of counter-terrorism, and has continued to participate in the Global Forum for Combating Terrorism, which is a multilateral group that was created by the United States to expand the discussions to combat terrorism outside of Western and industrialized countries.”