Amnesty International accuses Algeria of systematic and widespread torture of civilians.
In 1992, the military in Algeria cancelled elections once it became obvious that Islamic parties were about to win. The president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika was installed by the military in 1999. The resulting conflict has caused the deaths of at least 100,000 people. Very little about the nature of the conflict and the cancelled elections is reported in the Western media.
The USA announces that sales of military equipment to Algeria (stopped in 1992) are to be resumed to help the government "combat Islamic militants". The European Union obtains natural gas from Algeria after a trade deal concluded in 2001.
In July, the government releases Ali Belhadj and Abassi Madani of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) that won the first round of elections in 1991. The men have been banned from all political activity or from even voting in future elections.