June 14th is not simply another date on the calendar. For the Kabyle people, it has become a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom.

On June 14th, 2001, following the events of the Black Spring, nearly two million Kabyles marched peacefully toward Algiers to demand justice for the victims, accountability for state violence, respect for democratic freedoms, and the withdrawal of security forces from Kabylia.

It was one of the largest peaceful demonstrations in the history of North Africa.

The march embodied the aspirations of an entire people who believed that dialogue, democracy, and peaceful civic action could bring about change. Yet, according to many accounts, the demonstrators were met with force rather than dialogue, leaving deep scars that continue to shape the collective memory of Kabylia.

For this reason, June 14 has become Kabyle National Day—a day of remembrance and resilience. It honors those who lost their lives, those who suffered, and those who continue to strive peacefully for dignity, justice, and recognition. It reminds every generation that the struggle for liberty is sustained by memory, unity, and hope.

As we commemorate this symbolic day, we also look toward the future.

Our appeal extends beyond Kabylia to the democratic nations and free peoples of the world.

We ask governments, international institutions, human rights organizations, and civil society to stand with the Kabyle people in defense of fundamental freedoms, cultural rights, and democratic principles. We call upon the international community to pay close attention to the human rights situation in Kabylia and to support peaceful dialogue, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

We also invite democratic nations to engage seriously with the aspirations of the Kabyle people and to consider their calls for self-determination and international recognition through peaceful and democratic means. International support can help promote stability, protect human rights, and encourage solutions grounded in justice and international law.

Our message to the free world is simple:

Do not look away.
Do not forget those who continue to suffer for peacefully expressing their identity or beliefs.
Stand with those who seek justice through democratic means rather than violence.
Stand with those who believe that freedom, pluralism, and human dignity are universal values.

Today, we remember.
Today, we honor.
Today, we continue our peaceful pursuit of justice.

Because history has shown that the Kabyle people do not surrender their identity, their dignity, or their hope.

And we believe that one day, through perseverance, dialogue, and international solidarity, Kabylia will enjoy a future in which its people live in freedom, security, and peace.

As we commemorate this important date, we are confronted with a troubling contradiction.

At a time when many Kabyles continue to endure repression, arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and exile, the Algerian authorities are seeking to engage the Kabyle diaspora in the United States during the World Cup. This outreach appears designed not to address longstanding grievances but to project an image of inclusivity while serious concerns about civil liberties and human rights remain unresolved.

In our view, this amounts to a propaganda campaign intended to improve the international image of the regime and divert attention from allegations of repression against Kabyle activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. Image management cannot replace accountability, justice, or respect for human rights.

Behind the celebrations and diplomatic messaging lies a painful reality. According to advocates and supporters, more than 500 Kabyles are currently imprisoned for political reasons, including activists, journalists, and individuals associated with the peaceful defense of Kabyle rights and self-determination.

Among them is Cherif Mellal, the former president of Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK), whose imprisonment has become, for many, symbolic of the broader struggle of the Kabyle people. His case illustrates how even prominent figures in sports and civil society have become entangled in political controversies.

Another case that has attracted international attention is that of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, who remains imprisoned in Algeria. Despite his detention, FIFA granted him official accreditation, highlighting the concern that many observers have expressed regarding his case and reaffirming the importance of press freedom and the protection of journalists.

Thousands of other Kabyles live in exile or are unable to return to their homeland without fear. Families have been separated, and many continue to advocate peacefully for recognition of their cultural identity, linguistic heritage, and fundamental rights.

No sporting event or public relations campaign should be used to overshadow allegations of human rights abuses or the voices of those who remain behind bars. The values that sport represents—fairness, dignity, and respect—should extend beyond the playing field and apply equally to all people.

The Kabyle people have the right to preserve their language, culture, and identity. They have the right to express their opinions peacefully, to organize freely, and to participate in public life without fear of repression.

We therefore urge the international community to remain attentive to the human rights situation in Algeria and not to be misled by narratives that project openness while credible concerns about political repression persist. Genuine legitimacy is earned through respect for human dignity, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

Our message is simple: no government can build lasting credibility abroad while silencing dissent at home. Justice cannot be replaced by propaganda, and peace cannot be achieved without respect for human rights.

On this Kabyle National Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to truth, solidarity, and peaceful advocacy. Let us stand with those who cannot speak freely, support the families of detainees, and continue working toward a future founded on justice, equality, and respect for the rights and aspirations of the Kabyle people.

We call for the release of all political prisoners and all those detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights.

Freedom for all political prisoners in Algeria.

Long live justice, human dignity, and the peaceful aspirations of the Kabyle people.

Thank you.