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Abdennour Ali-Yahia, a lawyer by training, fought for the Algerian national movement and was imprisoned during the war of national liberation. Upon its independence in 1962, he was a member of the Constituent Assembly and member of the Government, before resigning from his ministerial post in 1967. Thereafter, he devoted himself to human rights law, for which he was later detained and deported. In 1985, Abdennour Ali-Yahia, was the founder of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights, officially recognized by the Algerian authorities in 1989 and is now its honorary president. Born on 18 January 1921, Ali-Yahia Abdenour is the dean of Arab Defenders of Human Rights. He is the author of « Algérie : Raisons et déraison d'une guerre » (Editions L'Harmattan, Paris 1996) and « La dignité humaine » (Editions INAS, Alger, 2007).
 "Nowadays, no one is blind, deaf or dumb, they are accomplices ..." |
Various NGOs, members of UN human rights mechanisms, diplomatic missions and members of the Arab community, including Algeria, attended the ceremony. Congratulatory messages sent by friends and fellow defenders of human rights were read, including messages from Ahmed Mannai, a Tunisian human rights defender, and Prof. Mario Giro of the Sant'Egidio Community. All the speakers championed Abdennour Ali-Yahia's long-term dedication to the promotion and defense of freedom, human rights, and human dignity. During the ceremony, a short documentary film was shown, retracing the Abdennour Ali-Yahia life and achievements. Following the award ceremony, Abdennour Ali-Yahia gave a speech thanking Alkarama, during which he outlined the human rights situation in Algeria.
Events of the ceremony
Opening of the ceremony
Introduction of Alkarama
Introduction of the Alkarama Award and prelude on the 2009 laureate, Mr Abdennour Ali-Yahia (presented by Dr. Abbas Aroua)
Screening of a short-film touching on Abdennour Ali-Yahia's life
A message from Mr Rachid Mesli
Poetic interlude by Ghani
Reading of a short message from Ahmed Mannai
Reading of a short message from Mario Giro, Comunità di Sant'Egidio
Remise du Prix Alkarama Award 2009
A message from Mr. Abdennour Ali-Yahia