Algerian Authorities Must Quash Outrageous 15-Year Sentence Against Unionist Ali Mammeri
Algerian Researcher Sentenced to 15 Years for Union Work, Advocacy: SNFC Condemns Ruling
– Updated November 2, 2025, 04:20:25 AM PST
The Self-reliant National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Art (SNFC) has condemned the sentencing of Ali Mammeri, a researcher, to 15 years in prison by the Oum El Bouaghi tribunal in Algeria.Nadege Lahmar, an Algeria Researcher with the SNFC, stated the case exemplifies the Algerian authorities’ use of terrorism charges to suppress dissent and target independent organizations.
According to Lahmar, Mammeri’s conviction stemmed solely from his peaceful exercise of rights to freedom of association and expression. This included his union activities, public advocacy for human rights, and private communications with exiled activists. Authorities considered details shared regarding reprisals and restrictive measures against unions to be “classified.”
The SNFC also alleges that judicial authorities relied on a “forced confession” obtained after repeated beatings and a public stripping of Ali Mammeri by police,rather than investigating allegations of torture. “This travesty of justice and disregard for the rule of law must end,” Lahmar said.
the SNFC is calling for Mammeri’s immediate and unconditional release, the quashing of his conviction, and a thorough, independent investigation into the allegations of torture. They demand accountability for anyone responsible for the alleged ill-treatment.
Background
On October 29, 2023, after seven months of pretrial detention, Ali Mammeri was convicted of charges including ‘glorifying terrorist acts’ and ‘disseminating classified information’. He has filed an appeal against the conviction. Amnesty international reports that the conviction was based on Mammeri’s communications with activists and unionists regarding government repression of unions.
The Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP),to which the SNFC is affiliated,informed Amnesty International that this information was afterward shared with the supervisory bodies of the International Labor Organization (ILO). This communication appears to have been a key factor in the charges brought against Mammeri.