The present report describes the general human rights situation found in Algeria today. It is principally an analysis of the lack of investigations into human rights abuses, the impunity afforded to those allegedly responsible and the lack of transparency within the justice system. The use of cases in this report is meant principally to provide examples of particular aspects of these patterns. The practice of holding detainees in secret and often prolonged detention after their arrest violates both Algerian law and international human rights standards. The Algerian legislation is in violation with the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, particularly the right to prompt access to a lawyer.