The men who abducted Mr. Mameri did not present an arrest warrant and got him into the vehicle by force. They followed the standard modus operandi of the security forces, which is to arrest or abduct individuals and place them in secret detention in security headquarters.

Over several weeks Mr. Mameri became an emblematic figure on the Internet of the Algerian youth, who express desperation at the poor quality of their lives. He announced in a recent video posted on Youtube that he was arrested for his call for a boycott and for his public criticism of the corruption of the Algerian elite or le pouvoir.

He has no doubt that his abduction was motivated by his role as a cyber activist who bravely denounced corruption, abuses, and violations of human rights in his country.

A few videos of Tarek Mameri: