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Home » Algeria » Press Releases » DZA - News » Algeria: Human Rights Activist from M'sila Threatened by the DRS
In the framework of his human rights activities, Smail Ghellab recently documented several cases of serious human rights violations in his region, including that of Mustapha Chouia's, who was held in secret detention and tortured. Ghellab sent us information on the abuse suffered by the victim in order that it be submitted to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture.
"Mind your own business.... ". On 16 June 2013, a fellow journalist visited Smail to deliver this message he had received for him from the DRS. The latter reportedly referred explicitly to the documentation work Smail had done on behalf of Mr Chouia.
This "messenger" added that the DRS agent wanted him to know that "his phone calls were being taped" and that "he was under strict surveillance".
The acts of intimidation to which Mr Ghellab is currently being subjected are only aimed at preventing him from carrying out his human rights activities, a right that is ensured by the Algerian constitution.
Concerned by the increase in cases of harassment and persecution of human rights activists by DRS agents acting illegally, Alkarama informed the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders of this new case today.