ALGIERS, 15 February 2021 – Rights groups in Algeria and lawyers are demanding investigations into allegations of rape and torture of opposition supporters while in custody.
The coalition, known as the National Committee for the Liberation of Detainees (CNLD), follows allegations made Saturday by Walid Nekkiche that she was beaten and raped by security forces earlier this month.
Other members of the coalition are the National Co-ordination of Algerian Academics for Change and the Collective of Lawyers for the Defense of Prisoners of Conscience.
NGOs Form Coalition to Demand Probe into Rape Allegations – Photo Ghana Crusader
Nekkiche, a 25-year-old student, was detained last November during an anti-government march known as the Hirak.
An estimated 70 people are still in custody following their arrests during the protests, according to the CNLD.
Algerian journalist Zoheir Aberkane said: “When Walid Nekkiche is abused, we are all abused, as a people, as civil society, as activists, as citizens, etc. And that, in my opinion, should not go unpunished”.
The Hirak movement, which culminated in the ousting of the former Algerian president, has called for massive street protests across Algeria to mark its second anniversary next February 22.
