Algeria expels Jeune Afrique Journalist

In a new episode of media muzzling, Algeria has expelled a Jeune Afrique journalist after he was subjected to an 11-hour investigation into his writings and connections.

Journalist Farid Alilat said he was held at a Police post in Algiers airport before being forced to go back to France.

This refoulement case shocked critics and rights activists who denounced an Algerian state that acts as a pariah expelling its own nationals.

While Alilat has been working in France since 2004, he has only Algerian nationality. Hence his refoulement is a violation of Algeria’s own laws.

On his social media, Alilat said the police interrogated him on his articles, the magazine’s editorial line, the purpose of his trip to his homeland and his connections with Algerian opposition figures in exile.

He said his privacy was violated when the Police searched his phone and laptop.

Reporters without Borders said expelling Alilat was “unjustified” and represents a “violation of the freedom of the press.”

Algeria had in recent years banned the distribution of Jeune Afrique accusing it of offering a podium to Algerian regime’s critics.

Algeria has cracked down on independent journalists sending critics such as Ihsan El Kadi to jail under bogus charges.

Penal code provisions have been amended to be used to prosecute and convict journalists, resulting in widespread censorship and self-censorship.

A media law adopted in 2023 introduced new restrictions and sanctions, and banned Algerian media outlets from benefiting from any direct and indirect foreign funding or material assistance under penalty of heavy fines.

Algeria remains one of the most under-reported countries in the world due to a harsh visa and tough accreditation policy that thwarts foreign journalists from reporting from the country.