Algeria: When Trade Unionism Is Prosecuted as Terrorism
In recent years, Algeria has witnessed a dangerous escalation in the use of terrorism charges to prosecute political opponents and independent trade unionists, in a clear departure from the principles of the rule of law and the guarantees of a fair trial. The case of trade unionist and politician Ilyes Touati from the province of Bejaia is a stark example of this repressive trend, as he was placed in pretrial detention based on Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, […]
The SNAPAP Trade Union Heads Toward a Unifying Congress
A decisive decision by the conference preparatory committee to expel Belkacem Felloul from the organization and end his illegal “fifth term” is a historic organizational step that could reshape the independent trade union landscape in Algeria. The preparatory committee for the National Conference of the Independent Union of Public Administration Employees (SNAPAP) announced the opening of registration for its members in preparation for its conference to be held on April 10, 11, and 12, 2026. […]
U.S. State Department Report 2024: International Recognition of Independent Trade Unions in Algeria
On August 12, 2025, the US Department of State, through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, released its annual report on the human rights situation in Algeria for 2024. The report confirmed that the country witnessed a worrying decline in fundamental freedoms over the past year, particularly trade union freedoms, with continued restrictions on independent unions and arbitrary arrests of unionists. Highlighting the unions involved […]
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 Maghraoui, a union leader and member of the National Secretariat of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) and head of the Working Women’s Committee of the SNAPAP union, was referred to the Misdemeanor Court to face charges related to “spreading false news that could harm public order,” in accordance with Article 196 bis of the […]