Is freedom of speech in danger as repressions increase in Algeria?: Analysis

Mustapha Bendjama, the editor of the daily newspaper Le Provincial, has been detained and interrogated by police forces in Annaba, Algeria at least 35 times since February 2019. Bendjama has been facing pressure from authorities due to his consistent challenges to government policies. In February, he was arrested for his alleged involvement in the escape of a dissident to France through Annaba and Tunisia, despite a ban on leaving the country. Bendjama’s case is not an isolated incident, as the National Committee for the Liberation of Detainees (CNLD) continuously reports new arrests, trials, releases, and judicial procedures related to politically motivated detentions in Algeria. According to human rights activist Zaki Hannache, there are currently 228 prisoners of conscience in Algeria, most of whom have been charged with “terrorism.” Since 2019, over 1,200 individuals have been jailed for their participation in the Hirak, Algeria’s pro-democracy protest movement, or for online criticism.

The media in Algeria has also faced intense repression, with 17 journalists being imprisoned. Ihsane El Kadi, the editor of Radio M and Maghreb Emergent, is among those who have been jailed. Bendjama, who has been charged in two separate cases, has been sentenced to two years in prison for receiving foreign funding to commit acts against public order and sharing classified information. He has also received a six-month sentence for participating in illegal emigration. The true cause for Bendjama’s harassment may be linked to the escape of a banned opposition figure, Dr Amira Bouraoui, as suggested by Zakaria Benlahrech, a member of Bendjama’s defense team.

Currently held at the Boussouf prison in Constantine, Bendjama began a hunger strike on October 3. An appeal has been lodged, and his defense team hopes for his acquittal, emphasizing that he is an independent and professional journalist who loves his country. The article also provides background information on the Hirak movement in Algeria, which demanded political reforms and accountability for past rights abuses. The movement receded due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the government intensified its crackdown on past dissent, banning organizations and targeting activists.

The article highlights the cases of Ahmed Manseri, an LAADH member who has been incarcerated multiple times, and Merzoug Touati, the editor of Al Hogra news website, who has faced numerous prosecutions and prison sentences. The ongoing campaign of repression in Algeria indicates that the fear of the Hirak’s return persists, according to Touati.

Overall, the article presents information about the repressive measures taken by the Algerian government against journalists, activists, and protesters. The sources used in the article, such as Al Jazeera, provide first-hand accounts and quotes from individuals involved in the cases discussed. However, the article would benefit from additional perspectives and opinions to provide a more well-rounded understanding of the situation. Additionally, the article could have included more context on the political landscape in Algeria and the intentions behind the government’s crackdown on dissent.

In terms of credibility, the sources used in the article, such as Al Jazeera and the Facebook page of the National Committee for the Liberation of Detainees (CNLD), are reputable news organizations and organizations monitoring politically motivated detentions. However, it is important to note that the article does not provide any statements or perspectives from the Algerian government or its representatives, which could have contributed to a more balanced view of the situation.

The article’s presentation of facts is generally clear, providing details about individual cases of detention, prosecution, and imprisonment. However, it would have been beneficial to provide more information on the specific charges against the individuals mentioned and any evidence presented against them. This would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the situations and allow readers to evaluate the credibility of the allegations.

In terms of potential biases, the article focuses primarily on the experiences of journalists, activists, and protesters who have faced repression. While this is an important aspect to highlight, it would have been valuable to include perspectives from other actors in Algerian society or provide a broader analysis of the political landscape in the country.

The potential impact of the information presented in the article is significant as it sheds light on the ongoing repression faced by journalists, activists, and protesters in Algeria. This can influence public perception by raising awareness of the human rights violations and restrictions on freedom of expression in the country. The article may contribute to a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by those who dissent against the government and the implications for democratic rights in Algeria.

The prevalence of fake news and the political landscape in Algeria can influence how the public perceives the information presented in the article. Fake news can propagate misinformation and distort the truth, potentially misleading readers and shaping their opinions. In the case of Algeria, where the government has been accused of suppressing dissent, the credibility of sources becomes crucial in discerning accurate information. The political landscape itself, characterized by ongoing repression and limitations on freedom of expression, can create an environment where trust in government information is diminished. This can lead to skepticism or a heightened demand for alternative sources of information such as independent media or social media platforms.

In conclusion, the article provides valuable information about the repression faced by journalists, activists, and protesters in Algeria. The sources used are credible, but the article would benefit from additional perspectives and context to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. The potential biases in the article’s focus and the impact of the information on public perception should be taken into account when evaluating its reliability. The prevalence of fake news and the political landscape in Algeria can influence how the public understands and interprets the information presented.

Source: Aljazeera news: Repressions grow in Algeria, is freedom of speech in danger?