The Algerian opposition Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) party condemned attacks on journalists during the Friday Hirak protests demanding change and reform.
Activists accused “thugs” of aiming to put an end to the Hirak, with some claiming the authority deliberately used infiltrators in the protests to ensue violence and discredit the movement.
In a statement issued Saturday, RCD said journalists, who have been reporting the people's revolution since its inception, were attacked and provoked on Friday, noting that reports showed attacks were carried out by unknown “thugs.”
The statement asserted that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are two constitutionally established rights that should be defended.
The rally, headed by Mohcine Belabbas, denounced the use of media as a propaganda tool, in a clear targeting of freedom of the press, in reference to the six-state-owned television and many private channels, which are pressured by authorities to prevent the broadcast of demonstrations.
RCD called on everyone to be alert, reject all forms of violence, and support journalists in their “noble mission.”
On Friday, protesters in Algiers attacked ten journalists during the demonstrations, according to a number of social media activists.
Journalist Lynda Abbou, who works with a private station, stated that demonstrators attacked the correspondent of France 24 when he was filming the protests.
Abbou stated that she and her coworker tried to protect the reporter but were also attacked. She did not identify the attackers, but a number of activists confirmed that the incident included members of an opposition organization led by an Islamist-affiliated refugee residing in Britain.
Others claimed the assailants were introduced by the authority aiming to discredit the Hirak through violent practices.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Information issued a final warning threatening to withdraw "for good" the media accreditation of France 24, alleging "blatant bias" in its coverage of the country's protest movement.
Protests resumed in Algeria after a year of suspension due to the spread of the coronavirus, and since then, demonstrators have been accused of having no clear agenda other than marching and chanting the same slogans that were raised two years ago.
A number of Hirak advocates called for the establishment of a party that would include all activists to participate in the legislative elections scheduled for June 12, hoping to oppose the authority from within the parliament.
Four newly formed parties launched by Hirak activists complained that the Interior Ministry refused to grant them licenses for their activity.
