Censorship in Algeria: Paris calls for respect for press freedom

France on Tuesday called for respect for press freedom in Algeria after the censorship of several online media in the country active in covering the popular anti-regime movement "Hirak". "France defends respect for freedom of the press and of opinion everywhere in the world," said the spokeswoman for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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"It recalls that freedom of information is a fundamental right, which must be protected," added Agnes von der Mühll, who was questioned about the turn of the Algerian authorities against three online media. Interline media, Maghreb Emergent and Radio M, a web radio station, have been the target of censorship by the authorities. According to the vice-president of the Algerian League for Human Rights (LADDH), Saïd Salhi, the offensive against online sites is explained by the fact that they are "more active" than the traditional media and " escape state control ”.

Said Salhi also denounces a "campaign of repression that has been going on for months against + Hirak + activists, journalists and human rights defenders". At least two Algerian journalists are currently behind bars: Khaled Drareni, freelance journalist and correspondent for the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) association in Algeria, and Sofiane Merakchi, correspondent for the Lebanese channel Al Mayadeen. The "Hirak" movement shook power for over a year until its recent suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.