Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni's continued detention sparks outrage
A rally in support of journalist Khaled Drareni in front of the Algiers court on September 15, 2020. AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
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Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni, in prison since the end of March, remains in detention.
The verdict of his appeal trial was delivered on Tuesday, September 15.
The correspondent for RSF and TV5 Monde, director of the Casbah Tribune site, is sentenced to two years in prison.
Khaled Drareni was prosecuted for inciting unarmed assembly and undermining national unity.
In Algeria and abroad, his many supporters who hoped to see him on Tuesday evening, express their sadness and their anger.
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The verdict pronounced Tuesday morning by the court of Algiers was greeted by the indignation of those present, chanting slogans like
"
Khaled Drareni free journalist
"
.
On social networks, his brother Chekib Drareni said he was disgusted, shocked and disappointed.
For Reporters Without Borders, for whom Khaled Drareni is the correspondent in Algeria, this verdict is scandalous.
"
RSF is scandalized by the stubbornness of the Algerian justice system, which goes against the good and the expectations of Algerians and especially Algerian journalists,"
insists Souhaieb Khayati, head of RSF's North Africa office.
The continued detention of Khaled is proof that it is justice under the orders
.
"
A symbol
Souhaieb Khayati believes that attempts to intimidate the regime are doomed to failure.
“
The regime cannot dissuade journalists with this judgment.
Given the mobilization that aroused his arrest, there will be other Khaleds in Algeria.
And it is not his imprisonment for two years that will prevent journalists from doing their job properly, as Khaled did, who has become a symbol of freedom of expression and that is why he finds himself imprisoned on the basis of an empty file.
"
►
See also: Algeria: journalist Khaled Drareni sentenced to three years in prison
For many, Khaled Drareni has become a symbol of the fight for press freedom in Algeria.
Hakim Addad is the founder of the Youth Action Rally, himself a former detainee.
He is part of the support committee for Khaled Drareni in Algeria.
He shares a bitterness after this verdict.
“
It's one more drop that will break the camel's back.
People want to go back to the Hirak, the demonstrations, etc.
It is beyond the question of journalism and the sole freedom of the press.
"
Support rally
Outside the Algerian borders, the international support committee for journalists
has already resumed its activities
.
Pierre Audin, member of the committee, recalls that Khaled Drareni was simply doing his job.
“
Since February 2019, the Algerians have decided to attack the system they are undergoing and try to make it leave by doing things peacefully.
The power and the Algerian official media act as if nothing was happening.
The way to find out that it exists is through journalists like Khaled Drareni.
He is one of those who reported on what was happening in Algeria.
He did his job conscientiously.
And he is sentenced to two years in prison.
Which is perfectly abnormal.
It is a scandal.
"
A rally was held Tuesday in Paris, in solidarity with Khaled Drareni, whose photo is displayed on a wall of the town hall of the 3rd arrondissement of the French capital with always the same call for his release.
This is the start of something, we in Paris will continue to support, as we have always done, Reporters Without Borders, which is one of the partners that we have always supported.
And we will be alongside the organizers here, because “Free Khaled” as this banner says, and it is important that they know that the City of Paris is at their side and support them.
Demonstration of support for Khaled Drareni in Paris
Victor Mauriat
Khaled Drareni's lawyers announce that they will appeal in cassation.
His two co-defendants (activists Slimane Hamitouche and Samir Benlarbi) were sentenced on appeal to 4 months in prison, a sentence they have already served.
They therefore remain free.
A rally in support of journalist Khaled Drareni took place in Paris on September 15.
MARTIN BUREAU / AFP
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Algeria: protests in Paris and Tunis to demand the release of journalist Khaled Drareni