Ihsane El Kadi, a prominent Algerian media figure, was released on presidential pardon coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Algeria’s independence from France.
El Kadi, aged 65, had been sentenced to seven years in prison in June 2023, following an appeal from an initial five-year sentence related to charges of “foreign financing” of his media business. He is the head of Interface Medias, which includes the news website Maghreb Emergent and Radio M, highlighting his influence in Algerian media.
His lawyer, Noureddine Ahmine, shared the news of his release on social media, expressing joy and posting a photo of El Kadi reuniting with his family. The timing of El Kadi’s release on a significant national anniversary underscores the political context surrounding media freedom and government actions in Algeria.
Lawyer Nabila Smail confirmed that Ihsane El Kadi was released on November 1, celebrating his return to his family and describing it as the end of a “nightmare.”
El Kadi had been sentenced to seven years in prison, the maximum penalty under Algerian law for receiving foreign funds that could undermine state security. The specific charge against him involved receiving “funds, a grant or otherwise” under an article in Algeria’s penal code related to state security.
His release marks a significant personal victory for El Kadi, allowing him to reunite with loved ones after a lengthy imprisonment. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding press freedom and state security in Algeria, reflecting the government’s stance on foreign funding in media.
El Kadi’s lawyers contended that the funds in question were sent by his daughter, Tin Hinane, who is based in London.
The money was intended to help settle debts, rather than for any illicit activities against the state. Tin Hinane is also a shareholder in her father’s media group, underscoring the familial ties involved in the financial transaction.
This argument was part of the defense’s strategy to counter the charge of foreign financing that led to El Kadi’s imprisonment. The case raises questions about the treatment of financial transactions within families and the implications for press freedom in Algeria.
El Kadi’s arrest ignited a strong wave of support from colleagues and rights activists in Algeria and Europe.
A petition organized by Reporters Without Borders garnered over 10,000 signatures advocating for El Kadi’s release. Algeria is positioned 139th out of 180 countries on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, highlighting concerns about media freedom in the country.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune issued two decrees granting pardons to over 4,000 detainees in recognition of the anniversary of the Algerian independence conflict. The pardons were signed to commemorate the historical conflict from 1956 to 1962, which was crucial for Algeria’s independence from France.
Peoplesmind
