On 1 October, Algerian IUF representative and human rights activist Yacine Zaïd was picked up off the street in Hassi Messaoud in the Ouargla province by unidentified men in a white Nissan 4x4 vehicle and has not been seen since. His location at this time is unknown. Zaïd had earlier been beaten upon being taken into custody by Algerian police prior to his release and subsequent abduction.
The IUF believes that Yacine Zaïd’s well-being and perhaps even his life is at risk because of his outspoken work in defence of human rights in Algeria and his long-standing defence of workers’ rights, now as an IUF representative in that country.
The IUF calls on the Algerian authorities to act immediately to secure the release of Yacine Zaïd, guarantee his security and restore his full rights. We also call on authorities to investigate the matter fully and bring those responsible to justice.
You can help. Please send a message to the Algerian Government immediately to secure the safe release of Yacine Zaïd. Go to:
http://www.iuf.org/cgi-bin/campaigns/show_campaign.cgi?c=704
The Letter
Mohamed Charfi
Minister of Justice
Contact mjustice.dz
I urge the Government of Algeria to immediately take all possible steps to release the Human Rights Activist and IUF representative Yacine Zaid who was abducted at 11 am on October 1 by unidentified men and taken away in an unidentified white 4 x 4 vehicle to an unknown location. The IUF is a global trade union organization based in Geneva Switzerland.
Undoubtedly Mr Zaid has been targeted for his outspoken defence of human rights in Algeria and this serious breach of his human rights and of the rule of law must be acted upon by your Government by securing the safety and immediate release of Yacine Zaid and by bringing to justice those responsible for this illegal action.
Yours sincerely