The person who’s behind this bold and courageous initiative is Ammer Umjgan, known as Ammer Lakehal, he’s a Canadian citizen of Kabylian origins, he has been living in Canada for 25 years. He’s an active member of Kabylia’s Self-determination Movement. He is an advocate of peaceful struggle and a deep believer of an open dialogue. Also, he’s a staunch human rights activist. His dad fought French colonialism, now the son is fighting against the Algerian colonialism in Kabylia. Recently, he was arbitrarily convicted to serve a life sentence in prison by the Algerian gruesome regime.

Here’s below his full statement:

“Hello! 

Why this fundraising campaign and why this claim against the Algerian officials who have convicted many people without credible proof, including myself, sentenced in absentia? 

The main purpose of this socio-financing campaign I am launching today is to cover the necessary costs (lawyers, media, legal costs, etc.) in order to file my claim against Algerian officials in power at various levels, identified by their names. 

Indeed, an Algerian judge pronounced in January 2024 a sentence against me, and I was condemned to serve a life sentence in absentia. This was done in an Algerian court, contrary to all the rules and laws that allow the right to any accused to defend himself. They pushed cynicism further in this judgment because I have never been the recipient of any information or mail, telephone call, or summons requiring me to attend the court proceedings so that I can answer the accusations that have been made against me. These “people” in service of the dictatorship have invented and assembled a file from scratch to incriminate me as they have always done to condemn hundreds of innocent citizens especially in Kabylia but probably in Algeria too. Currently hundreds of detainees who received surrealist sentences are languishing in Algerian prisons, especially the 38 Kabyles who were sentenced to death in October 2023. 

I file these claims to defend myself and demand an international investigation, and to be a role model for the victims harassed, intimidated, accused, tortured, raped and imprisoned in jails for years as well as to those convicted in absentia since they live abroad. 

For your information, donations can be anonymous for those who don’t want to be identified for various reasons. This battle I am ready to fight is for dignity and justice against the Algerian barbarism and injustice, and its representatives. 

I’m counting on your solidarity and support”

To donate, please click on the links below:

https://gofund.me/2a77065f

Tanemmirt 

Ammar Lakehal