Algeria
In Algeria, the human rights landscape in 2026 is defined by a significant and ongoing "closure of civic space." While the government highlights legislative reforms and progress in areas like women's rights, international monitors describe a sustained crackdown on dissent that has intensified since the 2019 Hirak protest movement.
The following are the core human rights issues currently facing Algeria:
1. Suppression of Dissent and Peaceful Assembly
Since the re-election of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in late 2024, the government has maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward public protests.
The "Climate of Fear": UN experts have noted that the criminalization of civil society work has created a "chilling effect." This includes the arbitrary dissolution of major human rights groups like the LADDH (Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights).
Arbitrary Arrests: Activists, poets, and even trade unionists face long prison sentences for peaceful activities. In late 2025, trade unionist Ali Mammeri was sentenced to 15 years in prison, a move condemned by 19 international NGOs as a blatant violation of freedom of association.
2. Freedom of the Press and Expression
Independent journalism in Algeria is under extreme pressure, often referred to by local media as working within "red lines" set by the state.
Legal Harassment: Authorities frequently use the Penal Code to prosecute journalists for "spreading false news" or "undermining national unity." In January 2026, the Ministry of Communication issued a formal warning to the independent daily El Watan over its coverage of a parliamentary debate.
Digital Crackdown: Social media users and bloggers are increasingly targeted. The "Manich Radi" (I am not satisfied) online movement led to a wave of arrests in 2025 for individuals expressing frustration with socioeconomic conditions.
3. Misuse of Counter-Terrorism Legislation
One of the most concerning trends in 2026 is the expansion of Article 87 bis of the Penal Code.
Broad Definitions: This law uses a vague definition of "terrorism" that the government applies to peaceful political opponents and activists.
Severe Penalties: This allows the state to hold critics in pre-trial detention for extended periods or hand down massive prison sentences (sometimes exceeding 10–20 years) for acts that international law considers protected speech.
4. Women’s Rights and Gender-Based Violence
The situation for women is a study in contrasts between official policy and social reality:
Legislative "Progress": In early 2026, the government highlighted "significant progress" in a joint report with the UN on combating violence against women, focusing on better training for police and improved victim support.
The "Privacy Loophole": Despite some reforms, the Penal Code still contains a "pardon clause" which allows a rapist to escape prosecution if they marry their victim, and domestic violence is often treated as a private family matter rather than a crime. Femicide remains a serious concern, with over 40 cases reported annually by local civil society groups.
5. Rights of Migrants and Minorities
Mass Expulsions: Algeria continues to carry out large-scale, summary expulsions of sub-Saharan migrants. Reports from late 2025 indicated that tens of thousands were "collectively expelled" across the border into Niger, often in dangerous conditions in the desert.
Religious Freedom: Non-Sunni Muslim groups, particularly the Protestant Church of Algeria, face systemic barriers. By 2026, nearly all Protestant churches in the country remained closed due to administrative orders or judicial harassment.