Algeria Faces Increased Repression Ahead of Presidential Elections

As Algeria approaches its presidential elections scheduled for September 7, 2024, the country is experiencing an alarming rise in arrests related to dissent and political opposition. Mohcine Belabbas, the former president of the Rassemblement pour la Culture et la Démocratie (RCD), has noted that "never has a presidential election campaign been marked by such relentless repression." This statement comes in the wake of recent detentions of party officials, including RCD president Atmane Mazouz, who were arrested on August 20 while attempting to commemorate the historic Soummam Congress in Béjaïa.

A Climate of Fear and Surveillance

Since the onset of the Hirak movement in June 2019, which led to the ousting of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the Algerian authorities have intensified their crackdown on political dissent. The government has gone so far as to monitor funerals to prevent any political claims from being made. The current climate raises questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, with many opposition figures facing legal harassment.Karim Tabbou, president of the unregistered Union Démocratique et Sociale, and Fethi Ghares, coordinator of the suspended Mouvement Démocratique et Social, have both reported renewed threats against them. Tabbou recently learned that his judicial control prohibits him from making political comments on social media or participating in political debates.

Legal Harassment of Opposition Figures

The targeting of opposition figures has escalated, with Tabbou being briefly detained on August 27, only to be released under judicial control. Ghares and his wife are facing charges of "offense to the president," "publication of false information," and "spreading hate speech," echoing accusations that previously led to Ghares serving nine months in prison.Human rights organizations have reported that there are currently at least 225 political prisoners in Algeria, a figure that may be conservative due to families' fears of speaking out. Activists like Zakaria Hannache, who is now in Canada, have raised alarms about the increasing number of interrogations and arrests in recent weeks.

The Role of Judicial Measures

The Algerian government has utilized a legal framework, including the controversial Article 87 bis of the penal code, which equates calls for systemic change with terrorism or sabotage. This vague definition allows security services considerable latitude to arrest human rights defenders and activists. Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, has criticized this legal framework, calling for its revision, although she acknowledges that meaningful change may only come after the elections.The misuse of pre-trial detention has become a standard practice, with many individuals held without trial for extended periods. Legal experts like Massensen Cherbi have noted a significant disparity between the charges brought against activists and the penalties they face, suggesting that this is a tactic to maintain pressure on dissenters.

Public Sentiment and Media Silence

As President Abdelmadjid Tebboune moves towards re-election, the media landscape remains largely silent on the electoral process. The government has effectively muted discussions, with state media amplifying calls from the three presidential candidates for massive voter turnout, while social media remains under surveillance.The authorities have also targeted individuals for seemingly innocuous social media posts. For instance, Yacine Mekireche was arrested for a Facebook post mocking a phone call made by President Tebboune to Olympic champion Kaylia Nemour. Such actions illustrate the government's intolerance for any form of dissent.

Conclusion: A Troubling Pre-Election Environment

The current political climate in Algeria raises serious concerns about the upcoming presidential elections. With the government intensifying its crackdown on dissent and the judiciary being used as a tool for repression, the legitimacy of the electoral process is in question. As the country approaches September 7, the international community will be closely watching how the situation unfolds and whether the voices of dissent can be heard amid the growing repression.