The orders were clear: arrest anyone who has direct or indirect links with the Hirak. However, despite these strict orders, the tightened repression of Hirak participants and human rights activists was denounced by NGOs and even by Algerian lawyers. In a press release made public on Thursday, May 27, the NGO denounced the large-scale repression and reaffirmed its “full” and “entire” solidarity with all citizens, political activists, trade unionists and journalists. Meanwhile, several defense lawyers of prisoners of conscience have denounced the systematic “violations” of human rights in Algeria in the run-up to the legislative elections on 12 June. This crackdown on Hirak demonstrations is accompanied by a media blackout in the run-up to the June 12 legislative elections, which are rejected by a large majority of Algerians.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 28, 2021 19:30 UTC