Government of Algeria attacks Internet news sites

Posted On 20 April 2020

Number of times this article was read : 123

April 20, 2020 – Algerian authorities have blocked a third online news website that covered the anti-government “Hirak” protest movement, stirring condemnation Monday from media watchdog Reporters Without Borders. RSF also voiced concern that a draft law on “fake news” could be used as another channel to “muzzle the press”. The draft legislation aims to “criminalise… fake news” which authorities say could undermine national security. “Algeria is the country recording the largest numbers of deaths related to the coronavirus in Africa but authorities prefer to hound the free press,” said the RSF director for North Africa, Souhaieb Khayati.

Algerian authorities earlier this month shut down online media sites Maghreb Emergent and Radio M. On Sunday, news website Interlignes was also hit by the censor’s axe and no longer accessible online, said its founder Bouzid Ichalalene. “The authorities are trying to push serious media to close and allow only the mediocre ones to exist,” Ichalalene told AFP. There was no immediate comment from the authorities. In July last year, Interlignes was targeted by the authorities for its coverage of the Hirak protest movement.

For more than a year, Algeria was gripped by weekly protests which started in February 2019 and led to the resignation of veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Demonstrations continued even after he stepped down in April with protesters demanding a complete overhaul of the political establishment. But the rallies have been suspended as the authorities imposed lockdowns to try to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Algeria has declared 384 deaths and more than 2,700 confirmed cases, according to latest figures.

Said Salhi, vice president of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LADDH), said authorities were targeting online media outlets because they are “more active” and “escape government control”. Salhi said the new draft law was “another turn of the screw against freedoms” in Algeria. The bill is aimed at “legalising the campaign of repression which for
months has targeted activists of the Hirak movement, journalists and human rights defenders,” Salhi said. RSF said it fears that the draft legislation will become a “tool” in the hands of the authorities to “muzzle the press”. At least two journalists are behind bars in Algeria, including Khaled Drareni, correspondent of French channel TV5 Monde and RSF.

AFP
Other Articles in this Week's Issue<< Egypt: Policeman killed in shoot out with militants in CairoEgypt: While fighting Covid-19, Egypt’s healthcare workers face public harassment >>
The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

The US Africa Policy: Don’t Expect Anything New

The US Africa Policy: Don’t Expect Anything New

U.S. administrations, whether Republican or Democrat, have historically shown limited focus on Africa, prioritizing counterterrorism over development. With recent geopolitical shifts, some are calling for a more balanced approach, emphasizing stability and economic growth over military presence.

Sahel: A Primer on the Northern Mali Crisis

Sahel: A Primer on the Northern Mali Crisis

Northern Mali has always been a region of turmoil, and the responsibility for the misery there starts with the central government in Bamako. Violence, social, economic and environmental turmoil has hit the people of the Azawad region hard, deeply affecting the Tuareg,...

Algeria boosts defense budget to tackle cross-border threats

Algeria boosts defense budget to tackle cross-border threats

Algeria’s draft Finance Law for the year 2025 earmarks record spending for its military and defense.  The Ministry of Defense, which oversees the country’s armed forces, will receive more than US$25 billion, an increase of over 10% compared to 2024.  The move is...

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This