Algiers: A new media bill in Algeria that would place curbs on media ownership rules and force journalists to give up their sources has raised alarms among rights groups.
On March 28, the lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved the proposed law, while a vote in the upper house is expected on Thursday. According to media outlet Jeune Afrique, a new “independent” regulatory authority will be created to oversee the media, both print and electronic. The authority will be made up of 12 people, of whom six will be selected by the president, Jeune Afrique reported. Moreover, the proposed bill also bans any media outlet in Algeria from receiving direct or indirect “material aid” from foreign sources. Any violation of the law could lead to a fine of one to two million dinars ($7,400-$14,739), according to the report. Khaled Drareni, North Africa representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), said the effect of the laws will “not be positive” on journalism in the country.
“Behind this law, there is a clear desire to further control the world of media and information in Algeria,” he told Al Jazeera from the capital Algiers. Draneni said the bill’s attempt to define and place restrictions on who qualifies as a journalist was also problematic. The bill also bars dual nationals from investing in all or part of a media organisation, while any journalist working in the country for a foreign publication or outlet without proper accreditation will be fined between 500,000 to one million dinars ($3,700-$7,400). –Agencies
Journalists are also warned to not indulge in “apologism for racism, terrorism, intolerance and violence”, or participate in anything that brings into disrepute “the symbols of the war of national liberation”.
