Amnesty calls on Algeria to release former soldier sentenced to life imprisonment

International human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have called on the Algerian authorities to drop the charges against former Algerian soldier and anti-corruption activist Mohamed Benhalima and release him immediately.

In a letter sent to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Amnesty International emphasised the need to respect fundamental human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. It also stressed the need for an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations of torture and ill-treatment.

A statement posted on the rights watchdog’s website explained that Benhalima fled to Spain seeking asylum after publishing testimonies and documents relating to alleged corruption within the Algerian military establishment. However, Spanish authorities forcibly deported him on 24 March 2022, and he was tried in Algeria, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Blida military prison.

He has complained to the court of torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence, prolonged solitary confinement and beatings at least six times since May 2022, most recently on 8 December 2024, but the Algerian authorities have not announced an investigation, according to the same source.

The statement demanded the Algerian authorities quash his convictions and sentences, drop any further charges stemming from his exercise of his human rights and release him immediately.

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