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Alert

Censorship feared as "Jeune Afrique-l'intelligent" magazine disappears from newsstands

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern that the weekly magazine "Jeune Afrique-l'intelligent" may have fallen victim to censorship, as its latest issue has not appeared on newsstands. The 8 to 14 February 2004 issue examined the role of the army in Algeria's recent history. The magazine's management said it was given no explanation as to why the issue was not distributed.

RSF said it feared the authorities are once again targeting press freedom and called for the magazine to be released for sale. Harassment of the independent press is a serious threat to free expression in Algeria, where a campaign for the 8 April presidential election is already under way.

Issue 2248 of "Jeune Afrique-l'intelligent" magazine appears to have been held back by the Communications and Culture Ministry's press section, which is responsible for authorising the distribution of foreign publications.

The magazine's editor-in-chief, Marwane Ben Yahmed, told RSF, "This is the first time since 1998 that our publication has been suspended in Algeria. Of course, we were banned from 1976 to 1998, but since then, despite some sharp criticism of the government, we have not had any problems. Nothing has been said officially, but I believe the five-page article entitled, 'Who the generals vote for' did not please everyone. Not to mention the fact that the magazine's Algerian edition carried a big cover photo of General Lamari." The article in question analysed the decisive role of the army in Algeria's recent history.

In less than one month, RSF has recorded 10 incidents of journalists being summoned, two arrests and two suspended prison sentences coupled with fines.