Human Rights and Trade Union Activist Yacine Zaïd Abducted in Algeria: Act Now!

cms.iuf.org

Human Rights Activist, IUF representative in Algeria abducted

October 1, 2012

Act now. Please help secure Yacine’s release.

On 1 October, Algerian IUF [International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations] 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 4×4 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.

______

UPDATE – Human Rights Activist, IUF representative in Algeria beaten and jailed
October 2, 2012

On 1 October, Algerian IUF representative and human rights activist Yacine Zaïd was stopped by police in Ouargla province, interrogated and beaten over a period of two hours. He was then abducted in a car with no licence plates.

Witnesses to the beating have expressed concern over the seriousness of his injuries and we have now learned that he remains in police custody and is to appear shortly before the Prosecutor of Ouargla province.

ACT NOW. Please send a message to the Algerian President to secure the safe release of Yacine Zaïd.

Please note that some messages may bounce back – do not be discouraged! The Algerian authorities have begun refusing e-mails – a sign that the messages are having an effect – but some messages will get through, making the point that the call for the release of Yacine Zaid has international support.