ALGERIA: Algerian officials need to release veteran columnist Saad Bouakba right away and without any conditions. He was arrested on November 27 for allegedly defaming the late President Ahmed Ben Bella. Authorities should also drop all charges linked to his work as a journalist. Bouakba discussed the former president’s supposed illegal handling of funds from the National Liberation Front (FLN), which fought for Algeria’s independence from France during the war from 1954 to 1962. Bouakba, who has worked with local independent news sources like El-Khabar and Echorouk, was held for two days in February 2023 for encouraging hate and sharing materials that could harm national interests. In October 2023, he received a fine and faced a travel ban due to defamation and hate speech related to a satirical opinion piece he wrote.
- Pray that Saad Bouakba receives justice, fair treatment, and protection during this time. Ask God to intervene so that truth prevails and that he is shielded from any form of injustice or oppression (The Holy Bible, Psalm 9:9).
- Pray for an environment in Algeria where freedom of expression is respected and where journalists, writers, and citizens can speak truth without fear. Ask God to grant wisdom to authorities and peace to the nation (The Holy Bible, 2 Corinthians 3:17).
News Source: Committee to Protect Journalists
Image Source: Canva
