AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

PUBLIC STATEMENT

20-08-2008

AI Index: MDE 28/006/2008

Algeria: Amnesty International condemns bomb attacks in Issers and in Bouira

Amnesty International condemns the car bomb attacks perpetrated this morning in Bouira, southeast of Algiers, which reportedly killed at least 12 civilians and injured 31, mainly civilians. One of the bombs reportedly exploded near a hotel in central Bouira while a passenger bus was driving past, and appears to have deliberately targeted civilians. The other was in front of Bouira military headquarters and appears to have been an indiscriminate attack.

The organization also condemns the car bomb attack yesterday in front of a police school in Issers, east of Algiers, which killed 42 civilians and a police officer and injured 45, including 32 civilians, mainly youth queuing outside the school to take exams to join the police, according figures made public by the Interior Ministry.

Amnesty International condemns all deliberate attacks against civilians and indiscriminate attacks. Such attacks show a complete disregard for the right to life and are absolutely prohibited under international law.

In the past year, Algeria has been rocked by car bomb attacks against civilians, including the United Nations headquarters in Algiers on 11 December 2007.

Amnesty International calls for a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the attacks. Those found responsible must be brought to justice in proceedings that meet international standards of fairness, and without the imposition of the death penalty.