Limits imposed on freedom of expression are poignantly felt on the eve of presidential elections in Algeria. Three French publications were just pulled of the shelves: L’ Express, Marianne and Le Journal du Dimanche. Why? It seems, because they contained information contrary to “national values”. Marianne dared in article provocatively entitled “ Bouteflika: the last Sultan” criticize the policy of national reconciliation instigated and promoted by President Bouteflika.
The journalist Florence Beauge of the Monde newspaper recently lamented that it was difficult to cover a country when you are refused the right to visit. Amnesty International is the same position. Our last visit to Algeria dates back to the spring of 2005. Since that time, the authorities indicated that Amnesty International’s criticism on the latest amnesty measures accorded to security forces and armed groups was not well received by “the highest level of the state” and we were not able to obtain visas.
Continue reading ‘Truth and justice: visible by their absence in Algeria’s presidential electoral campaign?’
