On the case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria

B100093/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria

(2025/2512(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–having regard to its previous resolutions on Algeria,

–having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.whereas the Algerian authorities implemented the so called “anti-terrorism” legislation in 2021 and have been suppressing democratic values and human rights ever since; whereas the Algerian people have faced systematic repression on unjustified bases; whereas the peaceful civil movement Hirak was forced to shut down by Algerian authorities;

B.whereas the systematic crackdown on democratic values and human rights conducted by Algerian authorities has weakened the civil society as freedom of expression, religion, and the press are in decline; whereas Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected in 2024 and the human rights situation remains elusive; whereas recent arrests and criminal charges illustrate the fact that prisoners of conscience are in a hopeless situation;

C.whereas the powerlessness of the judicial system and the intervention of the executive branch of the judiciary has led to unfair trials; whereas there are currently over 215 activists, journalists and defenders incarcerated for exercising their human rights; whereas religious minorities have also faced discrimination and repression;

D.whereas Boualem Sansal was arrested on 16th of November 2024 and has been imprisoned ever since; whereas Sansal has been hospitalized several times; whereas Sansal’s health is constantly deteriorating; whereas Sansal is being falsely accused of “undermining the integrity of national territory” which equates to terrorism under Article 87 of the Algerian penal code; whereas if found guilty, Sansal faces a life sentence;

1.Strongly condemns the unjust imprisonment of Boualem Sansal, as well as all other dissident voices to the current government, either imprisoned, detained or facing constructed legal charges;

2.Demands that Algerian authorities release Boualem Sansal immediately and unconditionally, as well as all others detained or imprisoned for exercising their freedoms and democratic rights, and to drop all charges against them;

3.Denounces the degradation of the rule of law, human rights and freedom of speech in Algeria and urges the authorities to repeal all repressive legislation and ensure the judiciary’s independence;

4.Demands that Algerian authorities stop all ongoing human rights violations related to freedom of expression, religion, speech, and press;

5.Demands that the right to freedom of religion be fully restored through recognizing the Ahmadiyya communities and granting them the ability to register as a religious association as well as reopening all EPA churches that were closed and renewing their registration as an association;

6.Calls on the EEAS to monitor the human rights violations in Algeria as well as the possible trial of Boualem Sansal;

7.Highlights the need to protect civil society organizations and preserve press freedom;

8.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Algerian government.