Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The European Union Parliament adopted on Thursday a resolution on the abysmal state of human rights in Algeria, particularly decrying the arrest of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. The resolution passed with 553 votes in favor, 24 against, and 48 abstentions.
The EU parliament released a statement saying that MEPs called for the “immediate” and “unconditional” release of Sansal, who has been detained in Algeria since November.
The parliament also called for the release of other arrested individuals, including journalist Abdelwakil Blamm, writer Tadjadit Mohamed “and all other activists, journalists, human rights defenders and people detained for exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression in Algeria.”
In addition, MEPs urged Algerian authorities to protect freedom of the press in line with Article 54 of their constitution by reviewing “all repressive laws against freedoms and the independence of the judiciary.”
They added that the renewal of the EU-Algeria partnership priorities must be based on the country’s “continued and substantial” progress in respecting the rule of law.
“This includes strengthening freedom of expression in Algeria and highlighting the role that progress on these democratic priorities plays in all future disbursements of European funds to Algeria,” said the statement.
Sansal has been detained in Algeria since November 16 after arriving at Algiers airport from France. The writer is known for his criticism of religious extremism and authoritarianism.
Le Monde reported that Sansal was hospitalized twice during his arrest in Algeria as of mid-December.
His lawyer Francois Zimeray expressed concern about the lack of information about Sansal’s condition during his arrest.
“This is not just a French-Algerian issue,” Zimeray said, arguing that it is a matter of global concern for intellectuals and the Algerian public, “who deserve better than this.”
