"Walid Kechida is sadly sentenced to three years in prison with a fine," Tansaout said, adding that lawyers would appeal. Human Rights Watch and the Algerian League for Human Rights (LADDH) deplored the sentence. Algerian authorities have arrested and prosecuted several activists in a bid to neutralise the Hirak protest movement. Kechida, who administered the "Hirak Memes" Facebook page, is the latest Algerian targeted by authorities this year in a crackdown against freedom of expression. Tebboune last week signed Algeria's new constitution into law, a change the government hopes will turn the page on the long-running Hirak protest movement.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 04, 2021 20:48 UTC