UN Experts Condemn Detention of Algerian Journalist, Call for Immediate Release
GENEVA — United Nations rights experts on Friday called for the immediate release of Algerian journalist Hassan Bouras, warning that his health is at serious risk after a 26-day hunger strike while in solitary confinement.
Bouras was arrested by plain-clothed agents outside his home in El-Bayadh on April 12 without a warrant or explanation, according to four UN special rapporteurs. He was placed in pre-trial detention on charges including membership of a terrorist organization.
The experts said Bouras had collapsed twice during his hunger strike and developed serious health complications without receiving adequate medical care. They expressed particular concern given his pre-existing cardiac and respiratory conditions.
“We are deeply concerned by the ongoing arbitrary detention of Mr. Bouras, as well as the serious risks to his life, health and physical integrity,” the experts said in a statement.
The rapporteurs described the arrest as part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment against journalists and human rights defenders in Algeria. They urged authorities to grant Bouras immediate access to legal counsel and adequate medical care.
Algeria ranks 145th out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 World Press Freedom Index, dropping 19 places from the previous year. Amnesty International also called on Algerian authorities in May to stop misusing the justice system to punish journalists for their work.
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