Yamina Meghraoui on Trial: Further Repression of Independent Women Trade Unionists in Algeria

Algeria - May 8, 2025

After more than a year and a half of judicial investigations, Yamina Meghraoui — a trade union leader, member of the National Executive of the Confederation of Productive Forces Trade Unions (COSYFOP), and head of the Women Workers’ Committee within the SNAPAP union — has been referred to the criminal court to face charges related tospreading false information likely to undermine public order“ in accordance with Article 196 bis of the Algerian Penal Code.

The case, which has sparked widespread condemnation among trade union and human rights circles, is seen as a serious indication of the growing repression targeting independent unionists — particularly those engaged in defending vulnerable groups or advocating for freedom of association and trade union rights.

In a statement to the international press, the President of the Confederation, Raouf Mellal, declared:

“ “I express my full and unconditional solidarity with my colleague Yamina Meghraoui, who has fought — and continues to fight — alongside me for trade union freedoms.”
“This arbitrary prosecution is yet another testament to the deteriorating state of trade union freedoms in Algeria, and it calls for a strong response from international trade union federations in defense of human rights in our country.”

According to a statement issued by COSYFOP, the charge brought against Meghraoui is part of a broader pattern of systematic campaigns targeting independent feminist and trade union voices. The Confederation considers this trial an attempt to silence free voices within the independent labor movement.

Pending determination Date of the first trial sessionCalls for solidarity are growing from both local and international organizations, amid warnings over the use of the judiciary as a tool to silence trade union dissent and human rights defenders.

Article 196 bis of the Algerian Penal Code, on which the charges are based, is increasingly being used against journalists, activists, and trade unionists — despite widespread criticism from international human rights organizations calling for its repeal or amendment in line with international standards.

COSYFOP has announced that it will continue its struggle for trade union freedom and an end to judicial harassment against activists, calling for a united trade union and human rights mobilization at both regional and international levels.