Arrests and detention of trade unionists and human rights activists in Algeria

Amongst those arrested are the President of the Algerian Human Rights League LADDH, the President of the National Transport Union SNATT, a unionist from the Autonomous General Conferderation of Algerian workers CGATA, a member of the Association for missing persons SOS Disparus, a human rights activist and other members of PSI affiliate SNAPAP and the unemployment committee.

PSI condemns this brutal attack on civil rights and freedom of association, and demands:

• The immediate liberation of members of SNAPAP, CGATA, SNATT, LADDH, SOS Disparus and other people arrested on 6^th February at the Trade Union House in Bab Ezouar and that all accusations against them be withdrawn;
• An immediate end to arbitrary arrests, repression, use of excessive force and harassment of trade unionists and human rights activists who stand up for trade union rights and freedom of expression;
• The guarantee of freedom of association, freedom of reunion and freedom of expression to conform with the Algerian Constitution, the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), ratified by Algeria.

More information in French on Elwatan.com and AlgeriePatriotique.com.

CGATA/SNAPAP Press release

Algerian Human Rights League Press release

PSI letter to the Algerian Government (in French)