Algiers – The National Salvation Front of Tunisia has strongly condemned the Algerian authorities for the extradition of politician and lawyer, Seifeddine مخلوف, to Tunisia. The Front views the action as a violation of international and regional commitments, following an arrest warrant issued against him by the Tunisian Public Prosecutor on Sunday.
In a statement released on its Facebook page on Monday, the National Salvation Front asserted that the extradition contradicts a long-standing tradition of non-extradition of political refugees between the two countries. They cited the recent example of Algerian journalist Amira Bouraoui, whom Tunisian authorities refused to return to Algeria.
The Front reiterated its “solidarity with Seifeddine مخلوف and all those facing fabricated charges and unjust trials” in a country that it claims does not guarantee fair trials and targets opponents. The Tunisian Public Prosecutor issued the arrest warrant against مخلوف, a prominent opposition lawyer and former parliamentarian, to enforce court rulings issued by the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal in Tunis.
These rulings stem from an in absentia judgment sentencing him to five years in prison on charges of conspiring against the internal security of the state. The “conspiracy” case dates back to February 2023, when opposition politicians, lawyers, and civil society activists were arrested and charged with offenses including “attempting to undermine public order and destabilize state security,” “colluding with foreign entities,” and “inciting chaos or rebellion.”
مخلوف was reportedly arrested by Algerian authorities in July 2024 for illegally entering the country, allegedly while attempting to travel, according to local media reports. The extradition has sparked considerable debate and heightened tensions between political factions in Tunisia.
