Algerian police arrested two journalists, Sofiane Ghirous and Ferhat Omar, from the “Algerie Scoop” outlet, for broadcasting a video last week showing businesswomen protesting against mistreatment at an official event.
In the videos capturing the protest, female start-up founders accused the government of “humiliating” and treating them with “contempt” at an innovation event hosted by the Ministry of Education and Professional Training. Detainee Ghirous is the editor-in-chief of Algerie Scoop, which was accredited by the government in 2021, and Omar is the website’s director.
Journalists in Algeria have reported experiencing increased persecution since President Abdelmadjid Tebboune took office four years ago. Experts have denounced the lengthy prison sentences based on spurious allegations. Many news sites have also closed owing to rising legal costs, according to AP.
Reporters Without Borders recently reduced Algeria’s freedom of speech rating to 139th out of 180 in its freedom of speech rating, citing the country’s “pressure on independent media and threats to arrest journalists”.
In June, popular news website Radio M announced that it would cease publication due to “impossible conditions” while its editor, Ihsane El Kadi, is serving a seven-year prison sentence on charges about his media company accepting foreign funds for his coverage.
The restriction on press freedom of expression comes as Algeria prepares for an election in September. Tebboune is expected to seek a second term as president.