Algerian human rights defender Ali Mammeri sentenced to 15 years in prison
- Human Rights Research Center
- 21 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Author: Peter Clarkin, MA
November 30, 2025
HRRC strongly condemns the decision of an Algerian court to sentence Ali Mammeri to 15 years in prison. As a human rights activist and a trade union president, Mammeri has constantly worked towards improving the rights and conditions of workers in Algeria. The government’s misuse of anti-terrorist laws to subdue those who fight for freedom greatly undermines the rule of law in the country.
![Ali Mammeri [Image source: MENA Rights Group]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_f654751f06a44c29aa4d7008e3d23f31~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_48,h_48,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_f654751f06a44c29aa4d7008e3d23f31~mv2.png)
The harsh sentencing of a human rights activist in Algeria has drawn immediate condemnation from several NGOs and international trade union federations. 19 groups have called for the immediate release of Ali Mammeri who was given a prison sentence of 15 years by the Criminal Court of First Instance of Oum El Bouagh.
Mammeri’s ordeal began on March 19, 2025, when he was detained by plainclothes officials at his workplace in the northern city of Oum El Bouaghi. For four days, neither Mammeri’s family or his lawyers knew what had happened, and it was not until March 24 when his enforced disappearance was confirmed. Mammeri communicated to his legal representatives that during his first two days in captivity he had been the victim of physical and psychological torture.
By the end of March, Mammeri was charged with “advocating terrorist and subversive acts, encouraging and financing them by any means whatsoever”. In his role as the president of the National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Art (SNFC) Mammeri advocated for greater rights for workers, who he believed were often employed to work in poor conditions. His communication with exiled human rights activists seems to have been the basis for the terrorism charge he is now facing.
Mammeri’s conviction is almost entirely based on a forced confession, a confession that has not been investigated at any level. The allegations that have been made towards officials accuse them of beating Mammeri repeatedly removing his clothes and forcing him into signing a confession.
Several human rights organisations believe that Mammeri’s heavy sentencing is a result of his commitment to not only human rights but the rights of union members within the country. The use of the country’s anti-terrorism laws as a method to suppress and silence dissenting voices is one that should be condemned universally, with continual efforts made to support Mammeri with his appeal.
Glossary
Activists – People who actively work to promote, impede, or direct social, political, environmental, or other change.
Allegations – Claims or accusations that someone did something wrong, without proof yet.
Appeal – A request to a higher authority (often a court) to change a decision.
Beating – The act of physically striking someone repeatedly.
Condemnation – Strong disapproval or criticism of something, often publicly expressed.
Disappearance – The act of someone vanishing, often secretly or forcibly, especially in a political context.
Dissenting – Expressing disagreement or opposition, especially to a prevailing idea or policy.
Enforced – Made to happen or carried out by force or authority.
Exiled – Forced to leave one’s country, often for political reasons.
Federations– Groups formed when several smaller organizations join together to work as one larger body.
Forced confessions – Statements admitting guilt that someone is pressured, threatened, or tortured into giving.
Ordeal – A very difficult or painful experience.
Plainclothes – Referring to police or officials who wear ordinary clothes rather than uniforms.
Psychological – Relating to the mind, emotions, or mental state.
Subdue – To control or bring someone or something under control, often by using force.
Suppress – To put an end to, prevent, or restrain something, often by force.
Trade union– An organisation of workers who join together to protect their rights, improve working conditions, and negotiate with employers.
Sources