UN Experts Condemn Jail Sentence Against Algerian Journalist

Part of the demonstrations calling for the release of Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni (AFP)
Part of the demonstrations calling for the release of Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni (AFP)
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UN Experts Condemn Jail Sentence Against Algerian Journalist

Part of the demonstrations calling for the release of Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni (AFP)
Part of the demonstrations calling for the release of Algerian journalist Khaled Drareni (AFP)

International human rights experts and Algerian organizations have called for releasing journalist Khaled Drareni who received a two-year prison term at his appeal hearing on Tuesday.

The Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council published a report on Wednesday citing statements by independent experts demanding Algerian authorities to reverse the sentence against the correspondent at media watchdog Reporters without Borders (RSF).

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this two-year prison sentence imposed on a journalist who was simply doing his job and call on the Algerian authorities to reverse it and set Drareni free,” the experts said.

They stressed that Drareni has become “a symbol of press freedom in the North African country.”

Drerano, 40, an editor at the Casbah Tribune news site and correspondent for French-language channel TV5 Monde, had been sentenced in August to three years in prison for covering coverage Algeria's anti-government protests.

The journalist was arrested on March 29 on charges of “inciting an unarmed gathering” and “endangering national unity” after covering demonstrations by the “Hirak” protest movement.

Although the reduced two-year sentence was confirmed on Sep.15, experts stressed that “it is still grossly inappropriate because the charges brought against him are a blatant violation of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and of association.”

He had earlier been summoned by the country’s security apparatus, which warned him over posts published on his official Twitter account, in which he defended the Hirak’s demand for regime change.

They also rejected the opposition statements published on his Facebook account, as well as the reports submitted to the RSF on “harassment” of journalists and the shutdown of news websites due to their anti-regime rhetoric.

The eight signatories included that of Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the rights to peaceful assembly and of association Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, along with members of the UN working group on arbitrary detention Leigh Toomey (Chair-Rapporteur), Elina Steinerte (Vice-Chair), Jose Guevara Bermúdez, Seong-Phil Hong and Setondji Adjovi.

They said they were alarmed that the Algerian authorities have been increasingly using national security laws to prosecute people who are exercising their rights.

“Drareni and all the others currently in prison or awaiting trial simply for doing their job and defending human rights must be immediately released and protected,” they stressed.



8 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza

Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
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8 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza

Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS

Israel's military said Saturday that eight soldiers were killed in southern Gaza in the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months.
Only one of the dead troops was identified by the army. No further information was immediately available, according to The AP.
The deaths will likely fuel calls for a cease-fire and heighten Israeli public anger over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from the military.
Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza have killed more than 37,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, who don't give the breakdown of civilians and fighters. The war has also driven about 80% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes, and Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting have hindered efforts to bring in humanitarian aid, fueling widespread hunger.
Israel launched its campaign after Hamas and other militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7.
Over 100 hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire last year in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Hamas is believed to be holding around 80 hostages and the remains of another 40.