Mohad Gasmi is a human rights defender from the southern Algerian Province of Adrar, and is part of the ‘Unemployed Movement’ which demands social and economic justice for the unemployed, and advocates for the youth economic and social rights in Southern Algeria. In 2015, he joined the anti-shale gas drilling movement, a popular movement that peacefully protests against the environmental consequences of fracking in South Algeria. Mohad Gasmi is also part of the Hirak movement which calls for political and social reforms. On 14 June 2020, Mohad Gasmi was placed in preventive detention on charges of ‘praising terrorism’ by the Public Prosecution of Adrar for his campaigning activities and criticism of the government.