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Algeria to bring more control over media; Parliament approves the law
Algiers: Algeria announces law that will bring more control over the media. Parliament on Thursday approved a new law that will tighten the work of journalists.
Al Jazeera reported that the government said it aims to ensure the free operation of the media through the regulation of the law.
But Reporters Without Borders said that there are many negative comments in the said law.
The law has mainly been brought in which prohibits the media from receiving financial or other assistance from foreign institutions. It also states that dual nationals have no right to purchase or contribute to a media outlet.
“The purpose of the law is to ensure media freedom and pluralism, and to protect the media from all forms of abuse,” said Information and Communications Minister Mohammad Bouslimani.
But Khaled Drareni, the RSF representative in North Africa, said the law had both good and bad sides.
‘Some references in the law are good. But some sections of the Act refer to the violation of freedom of press. For example, disclosing sources to the judiciary, violating any form of funding, etc.,’ he said.
At the same time, the law also states that if a newspaper organization wants to start a new one, it is enough to give a statement to the journalists.
Earlier this month, an Algerian court sentenced prominent journalist Ihsan El Kadhi to five years in prison for allegedly accepting foreign funds.
El Kadhi’s arrest was condemned by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Protect Journalists.
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