@taqvaylittv: (Tizi-Wuzu, Kabylia)— The Criminal Court of Appeal in Tizi Ouzou has sentenced Saïd Bessaha, a 74-year-old political activist from Bouzeguene, to 10 years in prison over a Facebook post, a ruling that has renewed concerns among supporters and human rights advocates over freedom of expression and the treatment of Kabyle activists in Algeria. The decision, delivered after an appeal hearing, left family members, lawyers, and courtroom observers visibly shaken. For many present, the case represented more than a legal proceeding—it underscored what critics describe as an expanding crackdown on peaceful political expression, particularly in the Kabyle region. Bessaha has long been associated with the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD), a secular opposition party. During Algeria’s “Black Decade” of the 1990s, he became known for publicly opposing Islamist terrorism and religious extremism while advocating democratic values, human rights, and individual freedoms. The most emotional moment of the hearing came when Bessaha addressed the court directly. “At my age, this sentence is not a fixed term. It is a life sentence in disguise.” The courtroom fell silent as the 74-year-old reflected on what a decade behind bars would mean. While the sentence is legally defined as ten years, supporters argue that, given his age, it is effectively a life sentence. According to members of his defense team, the conviction stems from a Facebook publication, raising broader concerns about the criminalization of online speech and peaceful political expression in Algeria. Human rights organizations and Kabyle advocacy groups argue that Bessaha’s case is part of a wider pattern of repression targeting Kabyle citizens, including activists, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, and ordinary social media users. They contend that peaceful political expression and online criticism have increasingly been met with arrests and prosecutions, fueling concerns over shrinking civic space and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Supporters maintain that Bessaha’s decades of civic engagement should be remembered for his commitment to democratic principles rather than criminal conduct. They argue that his imprisonment has become symbolic of the broader pressures faced by many Kabyle voices advocating peacefully for political, cultural, and human rights. As debate surrounding the verdict continues, Bessaha’s conviction has become another focal point in discussions about justice, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in Algeria. Whether viewed as an isolated judicial decision or part of a broader pattern of repression, the case is expected to remain under close scrutiny by both domestic observers and the international human rights community. For many leaving the courthouse, one question remained: What does it say about a society when a 74-year-old man is sentenced to ten years in prison for a Facebook post?

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Wednesday 01 July 2026 16:35:42 GMT