Why Hirak supporters are still piling on the pressure

Hirak supporters bearing the Algerian flag (photo: CLPB Rights)

Since February 2019, millions of Algerians have been demonstrating against the government. They first took to the streets to demand more democracy and protest the renewed candidacy of former authoritarian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have brought the Algerian protest movement "Hirak" to a premature end in March 2020, yet even though Abdelaziz Bouteflika finally withdrew his candidacy and stepped down from office, its demands are still far from being met. Opponents of the government maintain their country is a far cry from genuine democracy and is at the same time plagued by corruption, economic mismanagement and military interference in politics.

This documentary follows five young Algerians who are all taking part in the protests. They tell viewers why they are challenging Algeria's powerful elites and describe what they want for their country. Their stories are about hope and resignation, as well as the open question of their futures in Algeria.

Why Hirak supporters are still piling on the pressure

"Let freedom of the press be enshrined as sacrosanct"

"The question is: which human rights do the Taliban not violate?"

Can semi-democracy survive?

A nation gripped by moral panic

The rule of law and its careless enemies

Forcing the "Iron Lady" into exile