Amira Bouraoui, a French-Algerian activist, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia by the court in Constantine, Algeria. Tried for “illegal exit from the territory”, after crossing the border with Tunisia last February, she is currently in France. Her co-accused, journalist Mustapha Bendjama, was sentenced to 6 months for helping her escape.
Amira Bouraoui, a trained doctor, is a well-known opposition figure in Algeria. She particularly stood out by participating in the “Barakat” movement in 2014, which opposed the fourth term of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Subsequently, she joined the pro-democracy protest movement “Hirak”.
Last February, Amira Bouraoui crossed the border between Algeria and Tunisia, thus defying a ban on leaving the territory. She was arrested in Tunis while trying to reach France. Algerian authorities described his flight as “illegal exfiltration” and accused French diplomatic and security personnel of having facilitated his departure.
Journalist Mustapha Bendjama was arrested in connection with this affair, suspected of having helped Amira Bouraoui to flee. He was sentenced to 6 months in prison. In addition, other co-defendants, including a border police officer and the 71-year-old mother of Amira Bouraoui, were also sentenced to prison terms.
This conviction in absentia raises many questions about respect for human rights in Algeria. It also testifies to the repression carried out against opponents of the regime, in particular those who mobilize for more democracy and freedom of expression.
The conviction of Amira Bouraoui and Mustapha Bendjama is denounced by several human rights organizations, such as Reporters Without Borders. They call for the immediate release of these political prisoners and an end to arbitrary arrests in Algeria.
This case highlights the need to protect and promote fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial. It also recalls the importance of the role of journalists and activists in the fight for democracy and human rights.