M. Mustafa Benmansour
Ministre de l’Interieur
Ministere de l’Interieur
18 rue Docteur Saadane
Alger, Algeria

Monsieur le Ministre:

I wish to express my concern regarding the safety of Aziz Bouabdallah, a journalist for the newspaper El-Alam El-Siyasi (Political World). On 12 April 1997, he was taken from his home, in front of his family, and he has not been seen since. His family has been unable to obtain information on his whereabouts or the reason for his detention.

According to reports received by Amnesty International, Aziz Bouabdallah was abducted by three men who introduced themselves as members of the security forces, and he is now being held in secret detention in the Chateauneuf military security center in Algiers.

I am very concerned that Aziz Bouabdallah seems to have "disappeared" since his abduction. I understand that incidents like this one are not uncommon in Algeria, and that detainees held in secret detention are often tortured.

I call on you to use your influence and position to ensure that an investigation into Aziz Bouabdallah’s "disappearance" is conducted and carried out promptly. He should be given immediate access to his family, legal counsel and medical care. His family should be informed of his whereabouts and the reasons for his detention.

And, if Aziz Bouabdallah is being held -- not because he committed a recognizably criminal offense -- but solely because of his work or political opinions, I request that he be released -- immediately and unconditionally. If he has done nothing wrong, he should be free.

Respectfully yours,