Algerian law tightens control over the media

On Thursday, the Algerian parliament passed a new media law that imposes greater control over journalists’ work and introduces new restrictions.

The law comes shortly after prominent journalist Ihsane El Kadi was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly receiving foreign funding.

While the government claims that the law aims to preserve the freedom of the press within legal boundaries, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) claims that it includes negative provisions that undermine press freedom.

Among other things, the new law prohibits Algerian media from receiving material or financial assistance from foreign entities and excludes dual nationals from owning or contributing to media outlets in Algeria.

Although the law makes it easier for journalists to establish a media outlet, Reporters Without Borders and other critics argue that it limits press freedom by revealing sources to the judiciary upon request and restricting access to funding.