Algerian Red Crescent whistleblowers face harsh consequences for exposing corruption
Two former officials of the Algerian Red Crescent, Yacine Benchattah and Hadjer Zitouni, have reignited debate in Algeria over the protection of whistleblowers and human rights. The pair, who were convicted in 2024 for allegedly spreading false information, claim they were subjected to psychological pressure, intimidation, and humiliating treatment during their detention.
According to the Shoaa Organization for Human Rights, both officials faced reprisals after exposing what they described as serious irregularities within the humanitarian institution — including alleged corruption, mismanagement, and the diversion of aid meant for Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf and Gaza.
Rather than investigating the reported abuses, the authorities pursued legal action against the whistleblowers. On April 25, 2024, the Red Crescent, under the direction of its president Ibtissam Hamlaoui, filed a complaint accusing the two former employees of organizing a defamatory campaign on Facebook. Days later, both were summoned, interrogated for hours, and placed in pre-trial detention on May 14.
A court ruling on May 28, 2024, sentenced Benchattah to two years in prison, including one year to be served, and Zitouni to one year with six months in custody. Both were also fined. The Court of Algiers upheld the verdicts in September 2024.
More than a year after their release, the two whistleblowers have broken their silence, publishing videos on social media describing the alleged mistreatment they endured. Shoaa stated that such practices could amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, potentially even torture, under international law.
The NGO further alleged that the Red Crescent president was present during some interrogations, a move that would constitute a breach of judicial impartiality. Shoaa has called for an independent and transparent investigation, urging Algerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect whistleblowers, and hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable.
