Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) strongly condemns the fifteen-year prison sentence handed down by the Primary Criminal Court of Oum El Bouaghi Province against trade unionist and human rights defender Ali Maamri.

This verdict, based on overly broad counter-terrorism provisions, represents a severe miscarriage of justice and a direct assault on fundamental freedoms. 

While the prosecution was framed under Algeria's counter-terrorism legislation, notably Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, the factual circumstances indicate that Mr. Maamri's conviction stems not from any recognizable criminal act, but from his legitimate and peaceful activities. These include his trade union organizing, his defense of workers' rights, and his lawful communications with international bodies—all activities explicitly protected under international law.

This ruling violates multiple legal standards:

• Breach of Domestic Law: The verdict contravenes Articles 34 and 36 of the Algerian Constitution, which guarantee the freedom of association and the right to establish unions.
• Violation of International Covenants: It flagrantly violates Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the core principles of ILO Conventions No. 87 and 98 on freedom of association and collective bargaining.
• Erosion of Legal Certainty: The application of vaguely defined terrorism charges against a peaceful trade unionist undermines the principle of legal certainty, a cornerstone of the rule of law, and creates a dangerous precedent for the criminalization of dissent.

WJWC is further alarmed by serious procedural irregularities and documented instances of ill-treatment. Credible reports from Mr. Maamri’s legal counsel endicate he was subjected to abusive interrogation techniques during his detention. The failure of the court to order a prompt and impartial investigation into these allegations constitutes a breach of Articles 12 and 15 of the UN Convention Against Torture and violates the right to a fair trial under Article 14 of the ICCPR. A judicial process that fails to address such fundamental rights concerns lacks legitimacy.

We call on the Algerian appellate judiciary to uphold the principles of justice and due process by reviewing this case impartially and annulling the unjust conviction of Mr. Maamri. The continuation of such judicial practices places Algeria under increasing scrutiny before international bodies, including the UN Human Rights Committee, the Committee Against Torture, and the International Labour Organization.

Accordingly, Women Journalists Without Chains calls upon the Algerian authorities to:

Ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Ali Maamri pending a fair and transparent appeals process.

Conduct an independent, transparent investigation into the allegations of torture and ill-treatment, and ensure that any coerced statements are excluded as evidence.

Cease the misuse of counter-terrorism laws, particularly Article 87*bis, to repress peaceful activism, dissent, and legitimate trade union work.

Publicly reaffirm their commitment to judicial independence and the rights to freedom of association and expression, in accordance with Algeria’s constitutional and international obligations.

The protection of human rights defenders is not a discretionary policy but a binding legal duty. WJWC stands in solidarity with Ali Maamri and all those in Algeria working to uphold human dignity and the rule of law.