An Algerian court has sentenced opposition leader Fethi Ghares to two years in prison for allegedly posting remarks on Facebook deemed insulting to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, his legal team confirmed on Tuesday.
According to lawyer Abdelghani Badi, the secular leftist politician was convicted for “remarks concerning the president.” However, the court did not order his immediate detention. Badi stated that Ghares, who remains free and did not attend the hearing, intends to appeal the ruling.
Another defense lawyer, Fetta Sadat, revealed on Facebook that Ghares was also fined 300,000 Algerian dinars (approximately $2,300). She added that prosecutors had initially sought a three-year jail term and the same fine.
Ghares faced charges of “insulting a state institution” and “spreading false or malicious information that could harm public order or security.” The accusations, like in his previous cases, stem from statements made on social media.
The 50-year-old opposition figure had earlier been convicted in May 2024 on similar charges and handed a one-year sentence, though he remained free pending appeal to the Supreme Court. He was also detained in 2021, facing prosecution for insulting the president in earlier posts.
Ghares, known for his secular and leftist stance, has been a vocal critic of Algeria’s political establishment. He was an active participant in the Hirak pro-democracy movement that erupted in 2019 and played a key role in protests that led to the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
His political group, the Democratic and Social Movement (MDS) the successor to the Algerian Communist Party was officially dissolved by the authorities in February 2023, a move widely criticized by rights advocates as part of a broader crackdown on dissent.
This latest sentence underscores the growing pressure on opposition figures in Algeria, where authorities have tightened restrictions on political expression and online activism.
Vanguard News.
