On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution taking stock of the human rights situation in Algeria.

MEPs are deeply worried about the state of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Algeria. They strongly condemn the arbitrary and unlawful arrest and detainment of, attacks on and intimidations of journalists, trade unionists, lawyers, students, human rights defenders and civil society and all peaceful protesters taking part in the Hirak demonstrations.

Calling for an end to violations against the freedom of Christians, Ahmadis and other religious minorities to worship, they urge the Algerian authorities to desist from judicial and legislative harassment, criminalisation and arbitrary arrest and detentions.

High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini made a speech at the European Parliament in which she reminded of the principles that Algeria has subscribed to, “first and foremost in the Algerian Constitution, but also with international agreements, and with the Association Agreement that Algeria has with the European Union. These principles include all fundamental freedoms, including political freedoms, freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of the press. The freedoms guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is the cornerstone of our Association Agreement. In the current moment, it is important that all the different actors in Algeria can enjoy these rights.”

She concluded by saying that “the European Union will continue to engage with all Algerian actors, as we have done so far – as neighbours, as partners and as friends. And I am sure that this Parliament will accompany the work of the next Commission in this respect.”

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