Free speech organization Article 19 has called on the Algerian government to repeal the recent amendments made to the Algerian Penal Code. The amendments, passed by the National People’s Assembly on April 2, 2024, and promulgated by President Abdelmajid Tebboune on May 5, introduce new speech offences and impose harsher penalties for existing ones.
Article 19 has explicitly urged the authorities to repeal Articles 87 bis 13, 144, 146, 148, and 149 bis 21. The organization further emphasizes the necessity for the government to uphold the public’s right to free expression, advocating for the repeal of Articles 63, 63 bis, 96, and 100 to prevent laws that stymy information dissemination or criminalize the sharing of information of public interest. The current amendments prescribe severe penalties, including life imprisonment for “treason” and doubled sentences involving the distribution of foreign-origin materials.
The organization has raised concerns over the legal ambiguities in the amended articles, pointing to broad and vague definitions that threaten freedom of expression and transparency. Such ambiguities can create a chilling effect, discouraging journalists, activists, and citizens from sharing or discussing information vital to public debate and accountability.
MENA Rights Group and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) have similarly expressed concerns regarding the Algerian Penal Code. CIHRS research director Amna Guellali warned that the legislation provides the government with another tool to suppress dissent ahead of Algeria’s presidential elections in September. According to Guellali, the authorities have a longstanding practice of punishing political dissent under pretexts such as protecting national security.
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