Paris, 30 March 2026. The growing number of legal proceedings and convictions targeting newspaper editor and political opposition figure Abdelkrim Zeghileche is evidence of a worrying increase in the use of the judicial system to constrain freedom of expression in Algeria.
To date, Abdelkrim Zeghileche has received three one-year prison sentences, and on one occasion he was also fined 100,000 Algerian dinars (approximately 650 euros) for “spreading ideas inciting violence and hatred”. The three cases are pending before the Supreme Court. The charges appear to be unfounded and are instead meant to restrict freedom of expression and silence dissident voices.
Abdelkrim Zeghileche is due to appear in court in five separate cases between 30 March and 2 April 2026, a particularly tight schedule. Holding hearings in such rapid succession, sometimes several on the same day, raises serious concerns with regard to his right to a defence and guarantees of a fair trial. To date, no details have been provided regarding the nature of the charges against him.
Abdelkrim Zeghileche is one of a number of newspaper editors and political opponents who are regularly targeted for expressing their ideas. The series of legal proceedings brought against him is part of a strategy of attrition and intimidation designed to hinder independent journalism in Algeria.
"The succession of legal proceedings brought against Abdelkrim Zeghileche, the vague charges and the proliferation of legal cases, constitute a genuine campaign of judicial harassment. It reveals the clear intention to silence a critical voice", stated Aissa Rahmoune, Secretary General of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).
The recurring prosecutions undermine freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial, as guaranteed by the international instruments ratified by Algeria. They also serve to generate a climate of fear and self-censorship amongst opposition figures and civil society actors.
Given this serious situation, FIDH calls on Algerian authorities to:
– put an immediate end to all forms of judicial harassment against Mr Abdelkrim Zeghileche;
– ensure full respect for his fundamental rights, in particular his right to freedom of expression;
– ensure the transparency of the proceedings brought against him, specifying the nature of the charges in each case;
– guarantee his right to a fair trial, including reasonable time limits to allow him to prepare his defence;
– cease to use vague criminal provisions to criminalise the peaceful expression of critical opinions;
guarantee a safe environment that is conducive to the full exercise of freedom of the press.
The FIDH will remain fully engaged and will closely monitor developments Mr. Abdelkrim Zeghileche’s situation.