Algeria: Free trade unionist Ali Mammeri and all political prisoners
Feb 24, 2026
Algerian trade unionist Ali Mammeri faces ten years in prison for defending workers' rights. Arrested without warrant, held incommunicado, and denied a fair trial, his case has drawn concern from UN human rights experts. Join the international call for his release and for amnesty for all prisoners of conscience in Algeria.
Algerian trade unionist Ali Mammeri, President of the National Union of Public Service Employees in the Culture and Arts Sector (SNFC), has been sentenced to ten years' imprisonment following a final judgement in a case directly related to his trade union activities and his commitment to defending workers' rights and prisoners of conscience.
Arrested without a warrant in March 2025 and held incommunicado for four days, he reported being repeatedly beaten and forcibly undressed in order to extract "confessions". He did not receive a fair trial, and the Algerian authorities refused to open an independent and impartial investigation into his allegations of torture.
His case was the subject of an allegation letter sent by eight UN Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups to the President of the Algerian Republic. In this official communication, UN experts expressed concern about the proceedings brought against him, particularly the use of anti-terrorism legislation to suppress the legitimate exercise of trade union rights and fundamental freedoms.
Despite this intervention by international human rights protection mechanisms, Ali Mammeri was definitively sentenced to ten years' imprisonment.
His case forms part of a broader context. According to many human rights defenders, more than 200 prisoners of conscience are currently imprisoned in Algeria. For several months, political parties, activists and civil society organisations have been calling for a general amnesty and the establishment of a climate of political and social reconciliation.
Ali Mammeri's conviction has become a symbol of the state of trade union freedoms in Algeria.
International trade union solidarity is essential
What you can do
Send a message on the LabourStart platform to the President of the Algerian Republic, Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to request:
The release of Ali Mammeri through a presidential pardon;
The adoption of an amnesty for prisoners of conscience;
Effective respect for human rights, trade union freedoms and social dialogue.
Act NOW!
International solidarity is urgently needed to call for Ali Mammeri's release through presidential pardon and amnesty for all political prisoners.
Sign the LabourStart campaign