Shock in Algeria: Journalist Christophe Gleizes sentenced to 7 years in prison!

Shock in Algeria: Journalist Christophe Gleizes sentenced to 7 years in prison!

Tizi Ouzou, Algerien - In Algeria, the situation for journalists is increasingly worrying. A particularly sensational case concerns the 36-year-old sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was recently sentenced to seven years in prison. This punishment fell due to charges that include "apology of terrorism" and "possession of publications for propaganda purposes". Until his arrest on May 28, 2024, Gleizes reported on the Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie football club and has been under judicial control in Algeria since May 2024. lessentiel reports that the accusations against him are unfounded Responsible for the football club, which was only classified as terroristically in 2021.

The organization Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) has classified the conviction as "unfair" and is planning an appeal procedure that is scheduled to begin on June 30, 2025. Franck Annese, founder of So Press, Gleizes' employer, demands political and diplomatic measures to help his colleague, while RSF indicates political influence on the judiciary in Algeria. RSF emphasizes that Gleizes is particularly interested in the life of football players and is known as co -author of the book "Magique Système, L’Esclavage Moderne des Footballeurs Africain.

critical statements on Algeria's media policy

The condemnation of Gleizes is part of a larger trend in Algeria. Last year, several journalists for critical statements, especially on the Internet, were pursued and convicted. An example is Ihsane El Kadi, whose media company was dissolved in April 2023. The Algerian authorities strengthen their pressure on freedom of the press, while the new information law prescribes strict requirements for media companies and provides disproportionate punishments for certain reports. Documented a worrying persecution of critical voices that turn against state repression.

It remains to be seen how the appeal procedure will go out for glitter. The international community observes this case carefully because the freedom of the press and the support of journalists in Algeria are at stake. A strong pressure from outside could help to improve the conditions for freedom of the press in the North African country, where the dark clouds of censorship and repression hang over journalism.