Algeria moves to further restrict freedom of press with new law

Algiers, Algeria: By increasing restrictions on media ownership and prohibiting journalists from safeguarding sources, Algeria’s parliament took a step closer to approving a measure that will severely curtail press freedom in the nation of North Africa. The law was adopted by the lower house of parliament on 28 March. The upper chamber of parliament started debating it on Monday, and a vote is anticipated on Thursday. Under fear of criminal prosecution and fines of up to $15,000, the measure would forbid Algerian media outlets from accepting financing or “direct and indirect material help” from overseas. Algeria ranks 134th out of 180 countries and territories on Reporters Without Borders’ 2022 World Press Freedom Index. While the act states “professional secrecy is a right”, it would also force journalists to reveal their sources if ordered by a judge. Dual nationals will be prevented from owning all or part of media outlets and journalists working for foreign media organisations without accreditation could be fined almost $7,600. Some senators have pointed out that Algeria allows dual nationals to vote or invest in the country, but would be prevented from investing in the media. Upper house speaker Salah Goudjil has noted that the “devil is in the details” – which are not clear because accompanying legal documents to the bill have not been published. Earlier this month an Algiers court sentenced prominent journalist Ihsane El Kadi to three years in prison for “foreign financing of his business” in a case denounced by rights groups. El Kadi, director of the Maghreb Emergent news website and Radio M, was one of the last independent media bosses in Algeria. He received a five-year sentence, two of which are suspended. Sixteen international media figures including Russian Nobel Peace Prize laureate and journalist Dmitri Muratov had called for his release and urged Algeria to lift “unacceptable” restrictions on his media outlets. Read all the Latest News, Trending News,  Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.