European Parliament calls on Algeria to respect press freedom and release prisoners of conscience
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Loading... - Sylvie Payet
- 15 May 2023
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The European Parliament has passed a resolution demanding the release of journalist ElKadi Ihsan and all prisoners of conscience, while urging the Algerian authorities to respect freedom of the press. The resolution was passed by an overwhelming majority of 536 votes in favour, with only 4 votes against and 18 abstentions. The resolution not only highlights the Algerian government's infringement of press freedom but also underscores the country's isolation on the international stage. This is a significant blow to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who had disregarded Reporters Without Borders' plea to respect press freedom and release prisoners of conscience, including journalist El Kadi Ihsane. Tebboune's claims that Algerian diplomacy has regained its former grandeur have been refuted by the European Parliament's decision.
The significance of the resolution cannot be overstated. The Algerian regime has clients but no friends, and this is a serious matter for Tebboune and his team. While the Algerian government may have allies, it does not have the support of the international community, which has condemned its violations of freedom of the press and human rights.
Reporters Without Borders has welcomed the European Parliament's resolution, which demonstrates that the European Union will not remain silent about the repression of Algeria's remaining independent media. The EU's stance is particularly noteworthy, given Algeria's status as an important economic partner. As El Kadi Ihsane's appeal is set to be heard in the near future, the European Commission and EU Member States are urged to take all necessary measures to secure the journalist's release. The Algerian authorities must be made to understand that suppressing the media is a dangerous path that will ultimately harm them.
In the days to come, we can expect strong denunciations of the Algerian government's actions from the UN Human Rights Council and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. These bodies will condemn the list of journalists, politicians, and bloggers that were falsely labeled as terrorists and published in the official bulletin. The Algerian generals, who have used their gas reserves to blackmail other nations, will face difficult times as they are held accountable for their actions.
