Check against delivery!

Opening remarks

Thank you President, Honourable Members

This debate shows the importance we attach to the rule of law and human rights, in particular freedom of expression, which are core values of the European Union that we are committed to uphold inside the European Union and promote consistently and coherently with all our partners.  Algeria is a long-term partner and close neighbour of the European Union, with whom we can and must address matters of concern openly and frankly – I would say.

The circumstances of the arrest and detention of the renowned writer Boualem Sansal raise many questions and concerns. Reportedly, he has been taken by the police at Algiers airport on 16 November, but his arrest was only confirmed six days later and only yesterday he could meet a prosecutor who, according to his lawyer, charged him based on a terrorism related article of the Algeria Penal Code. If this accusation were based exclusively on opinions expressed publicly by Boualem Sansal, it would represent a clear attack against freedom of expression.  

It is essential that the Algerian judicial authorities address all these issues, which are clearly related to the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the fair administration of justice.  

Human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression are – in fact - enshrined not only in international law, notably on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Algeria is a party, but also in the Algerian Constitution. These universal values are at the core of the relations between the European Union and Algeria, as reflected in the Association Agreement and in our Partnership Priorities.  

This is why we continue to follow, discuss developments and raise concerns in these fields with our Algerian counterparts, in line with commitments from both sides. In particular, the European Union regularly addresses human rights in the framework of the EU-Algeria Association Agreement, notably in the Political, Security and Human Rights Dialogue Sub-Committee, and through continuous contacts with civil society representatives in Algiers and Brussels.

Algeria has been elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2023-2025. As with all members of the Council, we expect Algeria to champion the respect, promotion and protection of human rights.

I look forward to hearing your opinion and views on this important human rights issue that concerns a close neighbour and important partner of the European Union.

Thank you.

Watch the video (starting at 0:32)

Closing remarks

Thank you President, Honourable Members,

This debate confirms the importance that the European Union gives to promoting human rights and the rule of law in its relations with partner countries. Rest assured that this will continue to be the case, in particular with close partners such as Algeria.

And we will of course continue to closely follow the case of Boualem Sansal in full coordination with the French authorities.

I recall that, just a few weeks ago journalist Ihsane El-Kadi, in support of whom this assembly mobilised in May last year, was finally released. This is certainly a positive signal, and we hope that the handling of the case of Boualem Sansal will confirm this encouraging trajectory.

Thank you.  

Watch the video