Three-month jail terms for newspaper editor and reporter

Reporters Without Borders is outraged by the three-month jail sentences and fine of 50,000 dinars (500 euros) which an Algiers court imposed today on Omar Belhouchet, the editor of the French-language language daily El Watan, and one of his reporters, Salima Tlemçani, for allegedly libelling a faith healer in a 2004 article. “The sentence is utterly disproportionate and, furthermore, more severe than what was requested,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We called for the withdrawal of this prosecution but unfortunately we were ignored. Nonetheless, we reiterate our position: the Algerian authorities must stop systematically passing jail sentences for press offences.” The journalists' lawyer, Khaled Bourayou, described the verdict as “unjustified” and said they would appeal. They will remain free pending the outcome of the appeal. The prosecutor had requested two-month prison sentences for Belhouchet and Tlemçani when they appeared before the court on 15 December. The plaintiff, a “raqui” (faith healer and exorcist) who continues to practice medicine, did not turn up for the hearing. The 2004 article portrayed him as an imposter. Belhouchet was sentenced to two months in prison in March for allegedly libelling the prefect of the northeastern region of Jijel.