International human rights organizations and activists are rallying for the immediate release of Algerian poet and activist Mohamed Tadjadit, who faces a potential death sentence in Algeria. Tadjadit, known as ‘the poet of the Hirak’ for his influential role in the 2019 pro-democracy protests, has been arbitrarily detained since January and recently began a hunger strike to protest his treatment in prison. On November 11, he was sentenced to five years in prison on charges including ‘condoning terrorism’ and ‘spreading extremist ideas,’ which rights groups have condemned as baseless. A new trial on November 30 could see him charged with ‘conspiring to incite citizens against the state,’ a crime punishable by death. Algeria has not carried out executions since 1993, but the threat remains. Tadjadit will be tried alongside 12 other activists, including whistleblowers and former military members. Rights groups, including Amnesty International and PEN America, have decried his prosecution as a crackdown on free expression. Index on Censorship awarded Tadjadit its Freedom of Expression Award, calling him ‘truly inspiring’ and urging his release. Tadjadit has been imprisoned multiple times since 2019, reflecting Algeria’s broader suppression of dissent. The Hirak movement, which forced the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has been largely repressed, but sporadic protests continue. Critics accuse the ruling National Liberation Front of corruption and undemocratic practices. The government has also targeted individuals using the hashtag #Manich_Radhi (‘I am not happy’) to express discontent. Human rights defenders estimate there are 200–250 prisoners of conscience in Algeria, many linked to the 2019 protests. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the Algerian government and its critics.