On Thursday 28 November, MEPs in a joint resolution by the Renew Europe, S&D, ECR and EPP groups called for a “solution to the crisis based on a peaceful and inclusive political process” in Algeria.
Since February, the Algerian population has been demonstrating against the regime. In retaliation, the authorities have already imprisoned about 100 demonstrators, activists and journalists.
A few days before the presidential election on 12 December, several MEPs recalled, during the debate preceding the vote on the resolution, that it was not a question of interference (see EUROPE 12377/9).
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, also stressed that “Algeria's sovereignty and autonomy are absolute”. “It is up to Algerians to decide the present and future of Algeria, which is why they must be free to express themselves”, she explained.
Thus, in their resolution adopted by a show of hands, the deputies call on the Algerian authorities to release “immediately and unconditionally all persons charged with exercising their right to freedom of expression” and to put an end to all forms of intimidation. They recall that freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and freedom of the media are guaranteed by the Algerian Constitution.
Parliament also calls for an end to the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials when public gatherings are dispersed. According to Parliament, an independent investigation into all cases of excessive use of force by members of the security forces must be conducted and the perpetrators must be brought to justice before an independent judiciary.
In addition, the resolution calls for an end to violations of the freedom of religion of Christians, Ahmadis and other religious minorities, calling on the authorities to guarantee the full exercise of freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief. During the debate, many Members denounced the persecution of religious minorities. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)