This resolution, approved by an overwhelming majority of votes (536 in favor, 4 against and 18 abstentions) and which concerns the case of journalist Ihsane El Kadi, sentenced on April 2 to five years in prison, calls for the “immediate and unconditional” release of this journalist and all persons arbitrarily detained and charged for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
The European Parliament urges the Algerian authorities to put an end to the arrests and detentions of political activists, journalists, human rights defenders and trade unionists, while showing its solidarity with Algerian citizens who have been demonstrating peacefully since 2019.
The EU legislative institution notes, in this regard, that since the Hirak protests that took place in 2019, the Algerian public authorities significantly hamper media freedom and freedom of expression.
Since 2019, at least 11 other journalists and media professionals have been prosecuted and detained, it notes, adding that Algerian authorities are increasingly blocking news sites and publications critical of the government.
The resolution calls on the Algerian authorities to amend the provisions of the Algerian penal code, particularly articles 95 bis and 196 bis, which relate to security and are used to criminalize freedom of expression, and to bring laws restricting freedom of expression into line with international human rights standards.
The Algerian authorities are ”called upon to respect and promote fundamental freedoms” and to reauthorize the media they have banned.
MEPs also call on the EU institutions and Member States to urge the Algerian authorities to ensure that visas and accreditation are granted to foreign journalists without undue delay and to allow them to work freely.
