EP Lambasts Algeria, Urges Release of Journalist Ihsane El-Kadi

A new European Parliament resolution called on Algerian authorities to immediately, and unconditionally release Algerian journalist Ihsane ElKadi and all those arbitrarily detained and charged for exercising their right to free speech.
The motion was passed, on Thursday, by a sweeping majority (536 votes for, 4 against, and 18 abstentions), thus becoming a resolution.
The European Parliament also voiced concern over the repression of media freedom in Algeria since the start of the “Hirak” protests in 2019, calling for reversing media shutdowns and halting the arrest and detention of political activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and trade unionists.
It also urged Algeria to amend the Penal Code’s security-related clauses that are used to criminalize freedom of expression.
El-Kadi was arrested on the night of Dec. 23-24, 2022 by the Algerian authorities without a warrant, while “Radio M” and “Maghreb Emergent” headquarters were sealed and their equipment was seized.
On Apr 2, 2023, the Algerian court sentenced El-Kadi to five years imprisonment, two of which were suspended, and a fine of 700 million Algerian dinars as well as the dissolution of his media company and the confiscation of its assets, following the charges of receiving funds for political propaganda and undermining the security of the state.