UN expert slams Algeria's 'criminalisation' of rights activists

A UN rights expert, Mary Lawlor, condemned Algeria's harassment and criminalization of human rights defenders, including independent journalist Merzoug Touati. Despite visiting Algeria in late 2023, Lawlor noted the situation hadn't improved. She highlighted cases of arbitrary arrests, judicial harassment, and torture, especially Touati’s ongoing legal struggles. Lawlor also expressed concern over arrests of human rights lawyers and activists and emphasized that all individuals must be treated per international human rights law.