Algeria - October 2023

Amid the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, Algerians held their first major protests since the 2019 pro-democracy Hirak movement. Despite a ban on unauthorized demonstrations that has been in effect since 2021, hundreds gathered in the capital on 13 October to support Palestinians. This public pressure led to sanctioned pro-Palestinian protests on 19 October across multiple cities, albeit under strict police supervision due to fears of political exploitation by Islamists and former Hirak leaders.

Separately, the Algerian government detained several high-ranking members of the now-banned Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) party following their criticism of the administration and warnings about potential security threats. Critics argue these detentions are unjustified and that the detained individuals should be immediately released, while the FIS calls for dialogue and an end to human rights abuses.

Sources: Le Courrier d'Algerie, The New Arab (1), Atalayar, Africa News, North Africa Post, , Middle East Monitor, The New Arab (2), Asharq Al Awsat