stringent conditions laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure, there had never been any instance of imprisonment for debt in Algeria. 284. Referring to questions relating to article 14 of the Covenant, the representative of the State party explained that military tribunals were composed of two military magistrates and a civilian magistrate, who presided. In normal times, such tribunals had jurisdiction only for military offences or criminal offences occurring within military establishments. During states of emergency, however, their competence had been extended to violations of state security. Military tribunals followed the normal procedure for investigation and trial and their decision could be appealed. The requirement that judges have 10 years of service in order to attain permanent tenure had been introduced only recently and the decisions of lower court judges were reviewed by those at higher levels, who had permanent tenure. The careers of judges were supervised by their peers and disciplinary actions were taken by the High Council of the Judiciary, which consisted of 25 members. That institution was chaired by the President of the Republic because his presence, as the guardian of the Constitution, was felt to be symbolic. The Constitutional Council consisted of seven members, of whom two were appointed by the President of the Republic, two were elected by the National People's Assembly and two were elected by the Supreme Court. The President of the Constitutional Council was appointed by the President of the Republic for a single 10-year term. Experience would show whether that arrangement reduced the independence of the Council, 285. In response to questions relating to articles 17, 18 and 19 of the Covenant, the representative said that the prohibition of offences against the State or against Islam or other religions was in conformity with article 19, paragraph 3, of the Covenant, which stipulated that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carried with it special duties and responsibilities and could be subject to certain restrictions provided by law. Verification of the accuracy of publications could take place only through legal channels, either in the case of persons claiming defamation or in the case of allegedly false information affecting the security of the State. The status of Islam as the State religion was not incompatible with freedom of conscience because the Algerian State was a Republic that did not impose Islam on its people; other religious communities existed and were provided subsidies and assistance. 286. With regard to articles 21, 22 and 25 of the Covenant, the representative said that a political party had been dissolved on the basis of the Associations Act, which prohibited incitement to violence. That dissolution was currently being appealed before the Supreme Court. Restrictions on the right to form trade unions in the interests of national security were in conformity with article 22 of the Covenant. 287. In connection with article 27 of the Covenant, the representative of the State party emphasized that Berber culture was considered to be an integral part of the Algerian identity and that Berber-speaking persons were not viewed as constituting an ethnic or linguistic minority. Efforts were being made to promote the Berber language through the national media, education and the development of a writing system. -66-