Introduction
The Hirak, a peaceful popular movement born in February 2019, marked a turning point in the contemporary history of Algeria. Driven by democratic and social demands, this movement was met with a ferocious repression by the authorities. This report explores the mechanisms of that repression and its consequences for civil society.
Legal repression
The Algerian authorities adopted freedom-restricting laws, such as Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, to criminalize dissent. This law, which broadens the definition of terrorism, is used to arrest and imprison peaceful activists, journalists and human rights defenders. Hundreds of people have been sentenced to heavy prison terms, often without tangible evidence.
Torture and ill-treatment
Repression is not limited to arrests and trials. Activists are often subjected to acts of torture and ill-treatment during their detention. Secret detention centres, such as the Antar barracks, are the scene of brutal practices aimed at breaking the resistance of opponents.
Exile as the only way out
Faced with this repression, many activists and lawyers have chosen exile to escape persecution. Iconic figures of the Hirak, such as Salah Debouz and Said Salhi, left Algeria to continue their struggle from abroad. This wave of exile testifies to the scale of the repression and the deterioration of fundamental freedoms in Algeria.
Conclusion
The Hirak opened a breach in the wall of fear in Algeria, but the regime’s ferocious repression threatens to annihilate this hope. The international community must support the activists and demand reforms to guarantee human rights in Algeria. Without strong international pressure, the risk is to see a climate of despair and violence take hold.