Front Line is concerned at reports that human rights defender and journalist Mr Hafnaoui Ghoul was attacked late at night on 6 January by a group of hooded assailants at his home in Djelfa.

Further Information

The assailants, armed with knives, were lying in wait for him, gagged him and ripped his clothes. They fled without being identified.

Hafnaoui Ghoul made a formal complaint following the attack and asked the prosecutor to provide him with protection. It is reported that a week before his assault, Hafnaoui Ghoul reported to the police that he had received threats but received no response.

Hafnaoui Ghoul is a journalist for the daily Al-Wassat and spokesperson of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH).