Algeria : 175 cases of enforced disappearances in the Jijel region between 1993 to 1997

These cases were documented by the Association for the families of the disappeared of the Jijel region, represented by Mr Moussa Bourefis, himself the son and brother of disappeared, who exposed the situation of the families of the disappeared in the region during this meeting, which was also attended by Algeria-Watch, which has also documented several thousands of cases relating to Algeria, as well as Alkarama which has already been collaborating with the Working Group for several years now.

The fact of submitting these cases to the Working Group contributes to the search for the truth about the fate of the people kidnapped by the Algerian security services, all corps included (military, gendarmes, police and members of the militias armed by the government). Families are not satisfied by the official declarations of the state, which despite recognising more than 6000 enforced disappearances does not consider itself to be responsible. Moreover a general armistice for agents of the state was declared in February 2006.

With this action, the families demonstrate that they are not ready to close the file on enforced disappearances, despite the so-called national reconciliation law and the offer of indemnities. As long as the truth of the fate of their relatives is not known, and the responsibilities for these crimes not established, the families will continue their struggle.