Mr. Claude Guéant, ministre de l'intérieur de la Republique Francaise

The French authorities arrested Dr. Mourad Dhina, on Monday 16 January 2012 at Paris-Orly airport, and decided on the 17 January 2012 to keep him in custody pending the ruling on the extradition request presented by the illegitimate regime in Algeria.

I strongly condemns this act and considers it a purely political decision which violates the international conventions that protect civil and political rights and strictly prohibit extradition of political opponents, especially to countries known for their serious human rights violations, such as the Algerian regime led by putschist generals. 

I reject any legal ploy for the arrest of a strong political activist and human rights activist by the French authorities. Was it not these very French authorities which had organised the escape of General Nezzar, the main plotter of the 11 January 11 1992 military coup and accused of crimes against humanity, whose arrest had been ordered at the time by the French courts in response to complaints filed by Algerian citizens tortured by the military regime?

At a time when the Arab world is undergoing a historic turning point and shaking off the rule of tyranny and corruption, the French authorities continue to treat the case of Algeria with double standards.

I strongly demand the immediate release of Dr Mourad Dhina and holds the French authorities fully responsible for any harm that may be done to him. I will spare no effort to free Dr. Mourad Dhina and calls on supporters of freedom and human rights to support Dr. Mourad Dhina and to put pressure on the French authorities, by peaceful means, to secure his release.