PRESS RELEASE
Spain Will Not Sacrifice Its Dignity for a Few Barrels of Oil
Since July 25, 2026, Ayoub Aïssiou has been held in a detention center in Barcelona, awaiting extradition to Algeria. He has committed no crime; rather, he is a political target of the Algerian regime due to his media activism and support for the democratic opposition.
A Peaceful Dissident, Victim of a Political Vendetta
A resident of France since 2019 and traveling between France and Spain, Ayoub had not faced harassment until now. International arrest warrants against him have been systematically rejected by Interpol due to their political nature. However, the Algerian regime has exploited agreements with Spain to secure his arrest.
This is part of a policy of systematic repression. Corrupt Algerian generals enjoy impunity despite convictions, while the Algerian justice system is used to silence opponents.
Ayoub Aïssiou, the Scapegoat of a Regime on the Ropes
Charges against Ayoub are baseless, arising from a vendetta by the Tebboune-Chengriha duo, owing to his media support for a rival presidential candidate in 2019. The channel Algeria One was shut down, and Ayoub’s extradition is demanded despite his innocence.
Ayoub reaffirmed his democratic commitment during the September 2024 election, supporting Saïda Neghza. She now serves a four-year sentence alongside other candidates for contesting the regime.
Spain Faces a Historic Choice: Dignity or Complicity
Authoritarian regimes turning to Spain for their agenda should appall any democratic conscience. Extraditing Ayoub would subject him to inhumane treatment, similar to cases like Guermit Bounouira and Mohamed Benhalima, documented by human rights organizations.
Extraditing Ayoub sacrifices Spain’s honor for oil Algeria might withhold, causing needless suffering to his family.
A Solemn Appeal to Reason and Justice
We appeal to the wisdom of the Catalan justice system, the foresight of the Spanish people, and Spain’s historical memory. Algeria is deemed a “rogue dictatorship” by the European Parliament. Spain must choose to side with dignity.
The Committee in Support of Ayoub Aïssiou
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