Resolution on media freedom and freedom of expression in Algeria, the case of journalist Ihsane El-Kadi

2023/2661(RSP)

The European Parliament adopted by 536 votes to 4, with 18 abstentions, a resolution on media freedom and freedom of expression in Algeria – the case of journalist Ihsane El-Kadi.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.

Since the 2019 Hirak protests, Algeria’s authorities have substantially clamped down on media freedom and freedom of expression. Ihsane El-Kadi, a prominent Algerian journalist and manager of Interface Médias, one of the last independent media enterprises in Algeria, with the online outlets Radio M and Maghreb Emergent, was arrested without a warrant on 2324 December 2022.

On 2 April 2023, an Algerian court sentenced El-Kadi to five years’ imprisonment, of which two suspended, a fine of 700 million Algerian dinars, the dissolution of his media company and the confiscation of its assets following his conviction on unfounded charges of ‘receiving funds for political propaganda’ and ‘harming the security of the state’ under Articles 95 and 95bis of Algeria’s Penal Code. The hearing on his appeal will take place in the second half of May 2023.

The resolution called on the EU’s institutions and Member States are called on to raise El-Kadi’s case with Algeria’s authorities and openly condemn the crackdown on media freedom.

Moreover, Parliament called on the Algerian authorities to:

- immediately and unconditionally release Ihsane El-Kadi and all those arbitrarily detained and charged for exercising their right to freedom of expression;

- respect and uphold fundamental freedoms, particularly media freedom, to reopen shuttered media outlets and to halt the arrest and detention of political activists, journalists, human rights defenders and trade unionists;

- amend the Penal Code’s security-related clauses that are used to criminalise freedom of expression;

- guarantee that foreign journalists will be granted visas and accreditation without undue delay and will be free to operate.

Lastly, the EU delegation and Member State embassies in Algeria are urged to request access to imprisoned journalists and observe their trials.