Politics

Human Rights Watchdog demands probe into death of Algerian ‘political prisoner’

Published

3 years ago

April 26, 2022

An Algerian Human Rights Watchdog, the League for the Defense of Human Rights, LADDH, has called on the country’s judicial authorities to investigate the death of a political prisoner, Hakim Debazi, who allegedly
died in prison at Kolea in the Wilaya region of Tipaza in the west of Algiers, following his arrest during a peaceful demonstration.

Describing Debazi as “one of the most active militants of the Hirak in Algeria,” the watchdog on Tuesday, called for the opening of an investigation into the “circumstances and causes of the tragic disappearance of this activist from the prison of Kolea.”

In a post on his Facebook account, LADDH vice president, Said Salhi, stressed that “the judicial authorities are required to inform public opinion on all details, circumstances and causes of this tragic disappearance”.

Salhi who disclosed that he had followed the case closely since Debazi’s arrest, urged “the judicial authorities to open an immediate judicial inquiry to determine responsibilities, reveal the truth and do justice”.

Salhi noted that Debazi, 55, was arrested on February 22, 2022, and remanded in custody in the prison of Kolea, and that a request for his release on bail because of his worrying health condition, was rejected by the authorities.

“Hakim Debazi is one of those activists who have been sentenced by the Algerian justice to prison for posts on social networks.

“Most are prosecuted for simply expressing an opinion, particularly through publications on social networks,” the League said in a statement, adding that hundreds of Algerian activists accused of undermining state security and the integrity of the territory as well as subversive acts, are currently languishing in Algerian prisons in deplorable conditions.

#اطلقوا_ولادنا_يعيدوا_معانا
Hakim Debazi, a political prisoner died last night at Kolea prison in Tipaza, Algeria. Debazi, 55 years old and a father of 3 children, was held in pre-trial detention since 22nd Feb. His crime? Calling for freedom and a civil state on Facebook. Shame pic.twitter.com/zrSYkaCyXV

— freeman (@solitaire5559) April 25, 2022

Related Topics:Activist Algeria Featured Human Rights

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Politics

Mozambique’s top court affirms governing party’s victory in recent election

Published

2 days ago

December 26, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

The highest court in Mozambique affirmed Monday that the incumbent Frelimo party won the October election, sparking widespread demonstrations from opposition parties who claim the vote was manipulated.

Fears of fresh bloodshed have been raised in the nation already shaken by weeks of fatal protests after Mozambique’s top electoral court mostly confirmed the results of the country’s contentious October elections, reinforcing the Frelimo party’s decades-long hold on power.

The final decision on the election process rests with the Constitutional Council. Mozambique, a nation of over 35 million people in Southern Africa that Frelimo has ruled since 1975, is expected to see more protests in response to its judgement.

Mozambique operates a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic in a multi-party system. The president of Mozambique serves as both the head of state and the head of government.

The government exercises executive power. The administration and the Assembly of the Republic have the authority to enact laws.

Politics

Alliance of Sahel States opposes ECOWAS disengagement schedule

Published

2 days ago

December 26, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) withdrawal timeline has been rejected by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which is made up of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The AES claims that the ECOWAS is attempting to destabilise their newly formed organisation.

During a meeting last week in Abuja, Nigeria, the regional organisation announced a six-month withdrawal period to give the three nations time to change their minds after their official departure date at the end of January 2025.

However, this decision is “nothing more than yet another attempt by the French and its auxiliaries to continue planning and carrying out destabilising actions against the AES,” according to the heads of state of the AES.

“This unilateral decision is not binding on the ESA countries,” the statement continues. Before the conference, they stated that their choice to leave the organisation was “irreversible.”

According to the president of the Ecowas Commission, this will be a “transition period” that ends on “July 29, 2025” to “keep the doors of Ecowas open.”

The three nations accused the bloc of neglecting to assist them in resolving their domestic security challenges and of imposing “inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions related to the coup.

The three nations that were involved in the coup have mostly rejected ECOWAS’ attempts to undo their withdrawal. They are creating their alliance and have begun thinking about how to issue travel passports independently of ECOWAS.

It is anticipated that they will finish giving their one-year notice of departure in January.

Visa-free travel to other ECOWAS members is a significant perk of membership, and it is unclear how this would alter after the three nations exit the group.