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| Attack on human right defenders. | Date: 24-05-2002 |
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Human Rights Defenders in Algeria under Attack The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) is deeply concerned about the arrest on 19 May 2002 of Abderrahmane Khelil, member of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH). According to EMHRN information Mr Khelil was arrested while researching on security forces’ arrest of students in relation to a visit of President Bouteflika on the national students’ day (18 May 2002) at the University of Bouzaréah. Mr Khelil was detained on charges of ‘inciting to a non-armed gathering’ following article 100 of the Algerian Penal Code. The arrest follows recent attacks on Algerian human rights defenders close to the LADDH (member of the EMHRN) and of the Committee SOS-for Disappeared, amongst whom Mohamed Hadj Smaïn and Larbi Tahar. The EMHRN is deeply worried about these developments that run counter to Algeria’s international human rights obligations as well as its commitment to the Barcelona Declaration and the recently signed Association Agreement with the EU the article 2 of which states that the respect for human rights and democratic principles is an essential element of the agreement. It asks the Algerian authorities to ensure immediate release of Mr Khelil and a full, impartial investigation into the events leading to his arrest. It urges the EU institutions to immediately approach the Algerian authorities and ask for Mr Khelil’s release as well as the protection of Algerian human rights defenders in accordance with the UN Declaration on ‘Human Rights Defenders’ of 9 December 1998. For further information please contact: Marc Schade-Poulsen, Executive Director / Marit Floe Joergensen, Information Officer Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Network, Wilders Plads 8 H, DK-1403 Copenhagen K, Denmark Tel: +45-32 69 89 12 / Fax: +45-32 69 89 01 E-mail: info@euromedrights.net |
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