On 15 September 2015, the Turin Court of Appeal decided to lift the restrictive measure of house arrest against Alkarama's Legal Director, Rachid Mesli, held in Italy since his arrest at the Swiss-Italian border on 19 August 2015 on the basis of an international warrant issued by the Algerian authorities in April 2002. Recognising Me Mesli's important work in the promotion and protection of human rights in the Arab World, as well as the strong risks of torture that he would incur if he was extradited to Algeria, the Court decided to release Me Mesli without waiting for the end of the 40-day period by which the Algerian authorities can submit their formal request for extradition.

Alkarama is pleased to announce that Rachid Mesli has just been notified of the Turin Court of Appeal's decision to lift the restrictive measure of house arrest held against him since 22 August 2015.

The Turin Court of Appeal said this morning that it would make a decision within five days as to whether to maintain or lift the restrictive measure of house arrest held against Alkarama's Legal Director, Rachid Mesli, since 22 August 2015. The Court also informed Me Mesli that the Algerian authorities had sent a formal request for extradition, although the information received was "vague and incomplete", and that it had therefore requested the Algerian authorities to send clarification and additional information without undue delay.

Today, the Italian Minister of Justice ordered that Rachid Mesli remains under house arrest until further notice. This week, Mesli's lawyer will address a request before the Turin Court of Appeal for his release until a hearing is set.