**Urgent Statement**
The Algerian authorities have carried out the forced deportation of Mr. Saif al-Din Makhlouf, a former member of the Tunisian Parliament and a well-known lawyer, by handing him over to the Tunisian authorities, in a procedure that was conducted outside any clear legal framework, without announcing its legal basis or providing him with the necessary guarantees.
This deportation took place without respecting the minimum of his basic rights, primarily:
His right to appeal the deportation decision,
His right to request asylum or international protection,
And the lack of transparency regarding the nature of the procedure and its reasons.
This decision comes in a politically and legally sensitive context, especially given the deterioration of human rights conditions in Tunisia since July 2021, which has been accompanied by systematic targeting of political opponents and independent figures through politically motivated judicial prosecutions, prompting Mr. Makhlouf to leave his country in search of safety and protection.
**From an international and legal perspective, this deportation represents a serious violation of the principle of non-refoulement, which is one of the fundamental principles of international human rights law, considered a peremptory norm of customary international law, and binding on all states without exception.
This action also constitutes a clear breach of Algeria's international obligations, particularly: the Convention Against Torture, which Algeria has ratified, prohibiting the return of any person to a country where there are substantial grounds for believing they may be subjected to torture, persecution, or unfair trial.
The general principles established by United Nations bodies, which require states to ensure fair and transparent legal procedures before making any deportation decision.
Given the current Tunisian context, the handover of Mr. Makhlouf under these circumstances poses a direct threat to his freedom and physical and psychological safety, placing the deporting state under potential legal responsibility for any violations he may suffer later.
This incident also represents a dangerous precedent that undermines the international protection system for asylum seekers and political opponents, sending a negative message regarding the respect for international obligations in the region.
**Therefore**
The Al-Shehab Human Rights Center demands the following:
First: Algeria
To open an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances and procedures surrounding the deportation of Mr. Saif al-Din Makhlouf.
To determine the legal and administrative responsibilities for making this decision.
To ensure strict adherence to the principle of non-refoulement in all future cases, and to enable protection seekers to enjoy their full procedural rights.
Second: Tunisia
To ensure the physical and psychological safety of Mr. Saif al-Din Makhlouf.
To fully respect his legal rights, including the right to defense and a fair trial.
To halt any politically motivated prosecutions and adhere to international standards for fair trials.
Third: International Mechanisms
To urgently intervene by the relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms.
To monitor the case and ensure that the states parties comply with their international obligations.
To utilize available accountability mechanisms in the event of proven violations.
Fourth: Human Rights Organizations
To continuously monitor Mr. Makhlouf's situation.
To document any violations he may face.
To submit periodic reports to the relevant international bodies.
Al-Shehab Human Rights Center
London
