associated with contempt of court which is provided for and punishable under Section 144 of the Penal Code); -Organic Law No. 12-04 of 12 January 2012 on political parties under which political parties have the obligation to “include a proportion of women” in decision-making positions (Art. 41); -Law No. 12-06 of 12 January 2012 on associations, which enables registered associations to litigate and to take any legal action before the competent courts, for cases affecting their interests, as well as the individual and collective interests of their members. 27. When human rights defenders carry out legitimate activities, individually or in association with others, they are protected by the law both when they are involved in court proceedings and when they are being prosecuted. 28. Under the law, they are entitled to claim civil damages and/or resort to criminal justice in the event of any false allegation or defamation against them. They can institute legal proceedings just like any other victim. Recommendation No. 8: “Respond to the allegations of torture and human rights violations contained in the letters of urgent appeal sent by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa” 29. Algeria maintains close cooperation with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), in particular through visits to Algeria. 30. Algeria continues to participate in ACHPR Sessions on a regular basis and hosts ACHPR activities conducted in Algeria. This close cooperation is also marked by the systematic responses to the various letters of urgent appeal sent by the various special mechanisms of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. 31. Responses were provided to all letters received by Algeria. To date, there is no correspondence to which Algeria has not provided a reply. Recommendation No. 9: “Establish non-discriminatory working relations with NGOs” 32. There is smooth cooperation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in accordance with Algerian laws and regulations, in particular the provisions of Law No. 12-06 of 12 December 2012 on associations, which provides in Article 23 (1) that: “Associations may cooperate, within the framework of partnership with foreign associations and international nongovernmental organisations working to achieve the same goals, in accordance with national values and the legislative and regulatory provisions in force”. 33. Regarding the prior authorisation provided for under Article 23 (2) of the said law which provides that “cooperation between the parties concerned shall be subject to the prior authorisation of the competent authorities”, it was introduced for the purpose of transparency. Recommendation No. 10: “Present a list of human rights treaties, conventions and other instruments ratified by Algeria” The list is attached to this report. 9