Algerian journalist Abdelkrim Zeghileche was sentenced on Monday to two years in prison for "undermining national unity" and "insulting the head of state", the latest trial against pro-democracy activists in Algeria.
This heavy sentence comes against a backdrop of systematic repression against journalists, bloggers and activists of “Hirak”, the popular anti-regime movement in the country.
Attack on national unity
Abdelkrim Zeghileche, detained since June 24, is notably accused of posts on Facebook calling for the creation of a new political party. "Now, all Algerian opponents, as soon as they speak, we stick to them" attack on national unity "to imprison them", lamented the lawyer, Me Djamel Aissiouane.
“Abdelkrim Zeghileche was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine of 100,000 dinars (660 euros). The file is empty. We will appeal, ”he said. The prosecutor of the court of Constantine (north-east), place of the trial, had requested three years in prison against Abdelkrim Zeghileche, director of Radio-Sarbacane, an independent online radio station.
Another journalist imprisoned the same month
On August 10, journalist Khaled Drareni was sentenced to three years in prison for "inciting unarmed assembly" and "undermining national unity". The very harsh sentence shocked his colleagues in Algeria and beyond. An international campaign of solidarity has been launched by defenders of press rights and the protection of journalists. Demonstrations in favor of his release were organized in Paris, New York and Geneva.
Abdelkrim Zeghileche was released on March 4 in the context of another trial: the Constantine prosecutor then requested 6 months in prison against him and his colleague Lynda Nacer for "inciting unarmed assembly" after a call for a sit -in against the 5th term of ousted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in early 2019.
146th place worldwide out of 180 for press freedom
In recent months, journalists have been accused by the regime of sowing discord, threatening the national interest and especially of being in the pay of "foreign parties". Several are in prison and trials are ongoing.
Algeria is in 146th place (out of 180) in the 2020 world press freedom ranking established by Reporters Without Borders. It has plummeted 27 places compared to 2015.
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