President Tebboune Rejects Claims of Restrictions on Freedoms, Sets Red Line on National Unity

Tebboune Rejects Claims of Restrictions on Freedoms, Sets Red Line on National Unity
By Dr. Hana Saada

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said there are no restrictions on freedoms in Algeria, stressing that freedom of expression must not be conflated with insult, defamation or breaches of the constitution.

In remarks during a meeting with national media, Tebboune said some countries that present themselves as democratic models impose penalties for acts such as displaying the Palestinian flag or posting messages on social media.

He pointed to what he described as actors “from across the sea” behind accusations that Algeria restricts freedoms, linking such claims to legal proceedings against an individual tried before Algerian courts, which he said triggered attempts to frame the issue as one of civil liberties.

The President added that the same individual later faced repercussions in the country where he resides after criticising local authorities, illustrating the double standard in the application of principles.

Tebboune reiterated that freedom of expression does not extend to reopening historical divisions or engaging in discourse that risks fragmenting national cohesion.

He stressed that national unity constitutes a constitutional red line, underscoring that any attempt to undermine it falls outside the bounds of protected expression.