Algiers.30.12.2022
A statement by the employees and journalists of “Radio M” and “Maghreb Emergent”
Employees and journalists of “Radio M” and “Maghreb Emergent” were stunned to learn that their colleague Ihsane El Kadi, director of the editorial board of both news outlets, was placed in pretrial detention.
This decision follows the arrest of Ihsane El Kadi during night time by DGSI agents, outside of any legal measures, as well as keeping him under custody for five days without him being formally interrogated or informed of the charges held against him. It also comes after the sealing off of “Radio M” and “Maghreb Emergent” offices.
Outraged by this unjust decision and by the excessive use of pretrial detention, the employees and journalists working at “Radio M” and “Maghreb Emergent” firmly denounce this abuse. A step that shows a concrete willingness to definitely silence the only remaining free space in Algerian media.
The employees and journalists restate their unwavering support for Ihsane El Kadi and demand his liberation and the removal of seals from the offices of the two media outlets.
They call on national and international opinion to bear witness to this severe infringement on the freedom of press and expression.
For the employees and journalists of “Radio M” and “Maghreb Emergent”, it is more urgent than ever for support and solidarity to organize and gather around Ihsane El Kadi and the two media outlets. The stakes are of democratic essence, they are those of the right of citizens to information, as granted by the Algerian constitution and the international conventions ratified by Algeria.
