An Algerian appeals court has upheld a controversial judgment against trade union leader Ali Mammeri, reducing his sentence from 15 years to 10 years. The ruling, announced on Tuesday, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which argues that the decision reflects a broader pattern of suppressing dissent in the country.
Mammeri, who serves as the president of the National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Arts (SNFC), was arrested in March 2025. He faces charges of “glorification of terrorist acts” and “dissemination of classified information,” stemming from social media posts that expressed support for other jailed activists. His communications with the International Labour Organization regarding workers’ rights also formed part of the case against him.
The charges against Mammeri are rooted in Algeria’s expansive “anti-terrorism” legislation, which critics claim the government uses to stifle political opposition. According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, these laws are “overly broad and vague,” allowing for arbitrary enforcement. Following his arrest, Mammeri was reportedly held without charge, and his family faced challenges in obtaining information about his detention.
Mammeri alleges that he endured various forms of torture while in custody, which he claims led to a coerced confession. His family has filed a formal complaint regarding these allegations, but it has yet to receive a response from authorities.
Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, condemned the court’s decision, stating, “The court’s deeply unjust decision to uphold Ali Mammeri’s conviction on baseless charges is another clear assault on peaceful dissent and independent union activity in Algeria. This ruling sends an alarming signal to other trade unionists in the country.”
Algeria is a party to various international treaties that mandate adherence to human rights standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. As a signatory, Algeria bears a legal obligation to rectify any violations of these agreements.
The case of Ali Mammeri highlights ongoing concerns over the state of human rights in Algeria, particularly regarding the treatment of union leaders and activists. As the nation grapples with political and social challenges, Mammeri’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who speak out against government actions.
