Transparency International strongly concerned about safety of arrested Algerian activist

Transparency International (TI) is greatly concerned for the safety of anti-corruption activist, Djilali Hadjadj, following his recent arrest, and calls on the Algerian government to ensure his safety and to adhere to the country’s code of criminal procedure.

Hadjadj, president of the Algerian anti-corruption organisation, L’Association algérienne de lutte contre la corruption (AACC), was arrested on the evening of Sunday 05 September at the airport in the north-eastern city of Constantine. Formal charges have not yet been brought but the arrest appears to be linked to a case involving Hadjadj’s former employer, the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Santé (CNAS).

Although a local human rights organisation confirmed that Hadjadj has been in contact with his lawyer and wife, TI is worried about his security, particularly in light of concerns over his health. According to family members, Hadjadj will be transferred today to Algiers, where a formal arraignment before a judge is expected. The activist was due to be transferred to the capital on Monday 06 September but the transfer is now scheduled to take place today.

For years, Hadjadj has worked to prevent and stop corruption in Algeria, with a critical but constructive stance. TI calls upon the Algerian government to ensure a fair and transparent process, fully in adherence with the law and not hindered by bureaucratic obstacles or delay tactics.

Transparency International is the civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption