2020/286
9/4/2020
Rome- The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) said today that the Algerian authorities’ escalation of targeting and arresting journalists for journalists reflects the undermining of freedoms and efforts to strengthen the security grip and restrict press freedom.
The Rome-based International Federation affirmed in a press release that the arbitrary arrest and trial of journalists without legal basis violated international human rights law and the right to freedom of expression.
IFRD She stressed that these practices represent a setback to the promises and obligations made by President Abdul Majeed Tabun regarding freedom of the press, as well as the,y raise fears of an overwhelming government desire to take revenge against journalists for their professional work.
A few days ago, an Algerian court sentenced the journalist Soufiane Marrakchi for “importing live broadcast equipment without a license” and broadcasting a picture of the popular movement demonstrations in the country.
Before that, the journalist, Khaled Darni, correspondent of Reporters Without Borders, was imprisoned for “inciting unarmed gatherings and violating national unity” after canceling a decision that placed him under judicial control that was issued a week ago by a court of the first instance against him.
The Algerian authorities also continue to arrest journalists, Said Boudoir and Belkacem Gere, amid accusations that they seek to curb media institutions, especially independent channels, and to restrict international reporters, and to prevent them from covering the protests of the popular movement and imposing a single editorial line.
Before the movement suspended the demonstrations following the new Coronavirus about a month ago in Algeria, the security services were chasing cameras, photographer,s, and journalists in the street, arresting them for several hours and confiscating the video material, before releasing them late.
The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) affirmed that the practices of the Algerian authorities violate the country’s constitution in which Article 50 provides for freedom of the press and the prohibition of imprisoning journalists on charges related to the performance of their duties.
It demanded the immediate release of journalists detained in Algeria, the halting of arbitrary prosecutions against them, and the permission of Algerians to express their opinions without fear of targeting or arrest as a right guaranteed in international laws, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Algeria is a signatory.
