Maghreb Edition

Algerian government targets its citizens abroad, bans those who call for democratic reform

Posted On 9 May 2022

Number of times this article was read : 420

Summary: The Algerian authorities have begun to process of banning from entering Algeria its nationals who reside abroad and who have been pro-democracy activists. The ban was criticized by rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, calling the decision as “arbitrary.” Three Algerian-Canadians have already been prevented from entering Algeria between January and April 2022. One of them managed to enter Algeria but was not permitted to leave for three months. The Algerian authorities move is to stage a persistent attack on its nationals who have been calling for democractic change. Rights groups say Lazhar Zouaimia, Hadjira Belkacem and a third unamed person were “interrogated about their links to the Hirak.” Amnesty’s deputy Middle East and North Africa director Amna Guellali said “All arbitrary travel bans should immediately be lifted.”

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