(Agence Ecofin) – The Algerian press has been complaining for several months about the climate of censorship installed by the regime in place. The corporation hoped for more benevolent working conditions after the Hirak and the departure of the Bouteflika regime.
In Algeria, Ihsane El Kadi was sentenced by the Sidi M’hamed court to six months in prison and a fine of 50,000 dinars (322 euros). The information was made public by Said Salhi, vice-president of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights (LADDH).
“One sentence too many when we already have several journalists in prison or under legal proceedings. However, the press offense has been repealed. Power must change course, journalism is neither a misdemeanor nor yet a crime”he lamented.
Ihsane El Kadi, director of Radio M and the Maghreb Emergent news site, was placed under judicial supervision on May 18, 2021 and charged “undermining the unity of the territory” et “publications prejudicial to the national interest”.
The procedure was launched by a complaint by the former Minister of Communication, Amar Belhimer, against the journalist, following an article titled “Why Rachad’s place must be protected in the Hirak”. On Twitter, Ihsane El Kadi found it regrettable to have been sentenced “for an analytical article on a complaint by the Minister of Communication Amar Belhimer, on charges for which he does not have the status of complainant”. As the sanction is not accompanied by a warrant of committal, the journalist seems to be able to appeal with his freedom.
Also accused of reopening of the case of the national tragedy of the 1990s “, Ihsane El Kadi risked up to five years in prison for this single charge. For many journalists and human rights defenders, the sanction confirms the restrictions on press freedoms decried in the country.
Servan Ahougnon