Published: 26/01/2021

Two years of targeted violence, arbitrariness and injustice against women in Algeria

If 2020 was the year of persecution, repression and targeted violence against women, 2021 looks worse. It was indeed inaugurated by the imprisonment, persecution and repression of activists involved in the popular movement of Hirak.

The National Committee of Women Workers of IUF affiliate SNAPAP/CGATA strongly condemns the arbitrary, illegal and unjust incarceration of Dalila Touat, Namia Abdelkader and Bendouda Fatma, all currently imprisoned in Algeria for their political positions. We also condemn the legal proceedings against them as well as the harassment orchestrated through social networks which continue to victimize them.

It is clear that the authorities in power view the active engagement and mass participation of women in the popular movement of February 22nd in a negative light. They wish to amputate Hirak of a very active component throughout the national territory at any cost: the women trade unionists, women’s rights activists, women bloggers and whistleblowers, as well as all those leading the fight for freedom.

The National Committee of Women Workers of SNAPAP/CGATA calls on all those who are convinced that solidarity constitutes an active force against oppression and repression to unite our voices and to close our ranks in order to carry out joint actions on the ground.

We urge the government to stop all persecution, arbitrary and unjust imprisonment and prosecution of women activists and to release all prisoners of conscience in Algeria.

We urge the government to stop all persecution, arbitrary and unjust imprisonment and prosecution of women activists and to release all prisoners of conscience in Algeria.
Yamina Meghraoui, President of the National Committee of Women Workers of IUF affiliate SNAPAP/CGATA