In recent news, the Constantine court delivered its verdict in the Amira Bouraoui case. This Franco-Algerian opponent was sentenced in absentia to ten years in prison for “illegally leaving the territory”. His departure to France via Tunisia last February had created great tension between Algiers and Paris.
Amira Bouraoui became known in Algeria for her commitment against the fourth term of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, as well as for her involvement in the popular protest movement, Hirak. His arrest in Tunisia and his escape to France three days later sparked a lively debate around the alleged illegal exfiltration facilitated by French diplomatic and security personnel.
Several other people were also convicted in this case. Among them, Amira Bouraoui’s mother received a one-year suspended prison sentence, while journalist Mustapha Bendjama was sentenced to six months in prison for his alleged involvement in helping the opponent escape. .
This conviction in absentia raises many questions in terms of respect for the rights of the political opposition in Algeria. Some criticize the political nature of this trial and believe that this decision aims to muzzle dissenting voices.
This affair also highlights the diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France. On the one hand, Algiers speaks of illegal exfiltration, on the other, Paris insists on respecting the rights of the opponent by granting her political asylum.
In the meantime, Amira Bouraoui is currently in France, where she continues to campaign for democracy in Algeria and denounce human rights abuses. His case has attracted international attention and raised concerns about the human rights situation in Algeria.
It is important to emphasize that this article is an objective analysis of the Amira Bouraoui affair and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the author. This is a summary of facts that invites further reflection on the political and diplomatic issues surrounding this affair.