Case History: Taher Belabes
On 3 February 2013, human rights defender Mr Taher Belabes received a one-month prison sentence and a fine of 50,000 Algerian Dinars (approx €475) on charges of participating in an “unarmed demonstration”, a sentence that his lawyer is currently appealing. The human rights defender will not start his prison sentence until a final decision regarding his appeal is made known.
Taher Belabes is a coordinator for the National Committee to Defend the Rights of the Unemployed.
On 3 February 2013, human rights defender Mr Taher Belabes received a one-month prison sentence and a fine of 50,000 Algerian Dinars (approx €475) on charges of participating in an “unarmed demonstration”, a sentence that his lawyer is currently appealing. The human rights defender will not start his prison sentence until a final decision regarding his appeal is made known.
Taher Belabes was arrested on 2 January 2013, along with several colleagues from his organisation, as they gathered to protest in front of the Employment Agency in Warkala. Detained at the National Security Office for five days without any formal charges, the human rights defender was also prevented from contacting a lawyer or his family.
Public pressure and continuous demonstrations eventually led the Public Prosecutor to issue a formal warrant with charges and the transferral of the case to court. In addition to this Taher Belabes was released pending trial. On 20 January 2013, the Warkala Court held its first hearing on the case, while demonstrations took place outside the court house demanding the acquittal of Taher Belabes and his colleagues.
The human rights defender's lawyer is currently seeking to appeal the sentence of 3 February. Taher Belabes will be required to present himself before the Court on 12 February 2013 for a separate case, on the charge of insulting a public employee.
