Geneva: NGO Decries Abuses Committed by Algerian Regime against Hirak Activists

The International Observatory for Peace, Democracy and Human Rights has denounced the serious human rights violations, repression and abuses committed by Algerian authorities against pro-democracy militants.
In a press release issued lately on the occasion of the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) convening in Geneva, the NGO said despite the concerns voiced by the international community, the Algerian authorities continue harassment and prosecution of citizens exercising their right to freedom of expression, opinion, peaceful assembly or association.
The International Observatory for Peace, Democracy and Human Rights deplores the lack of judicial independence resulting in unfair trials and heavy sentences of Hirak activists, saying the biased judiciary system is used as an oppressive tool to muzzle vocal critics and political opponents.
Last March, a Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had voiced the UNHRC deep concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Algeria and the continued and increasing crackdown on members of the pro-democracy Hirak movement.
“There have been numerous instances across the country where security forces have used unnecessary or excessive force and arbitrary arrests to suppress peaceful demonstrations”, said the spokesperson of Michelle Bachelet.
She denounced the criminal prosecution of activists, human rights defenders, students, journalists, bloggers and ordinary citizens by Algerian authorities in blatant violations of basic human rights and international conventions.

Vaguely worded provisions of the Algerian Penal Code are being used to unduly restrict freedom of expression and prosecute people expressing critical views and opinions.