The Algerian parliament approved a new media law today, Thursday, which prohibits Algerian media from receiving any funding or financial support from foreign entities. The new law also prevents dual nationals from owning or contributing to the ownership of a media outlet in Algeria. The government stated that the law is essential to ensure the free practice of journalism under legal regulations. Algerian Minister of Communication Mohamed Bouslimani mentioned that the law aims to "entrench press freedom, plurality, and independence, while ensuring adherence to professionalism and ethical standards."
However, the organization Reporters Without Borders expressed that the law contains "negative provisions" and tightens control over journalists’ work, imposing new restrictions. Khaled Drareni, the representative of Reporters Without Borders in North Africa, stated, "Some provisions are positive, while others violate press freedom, such as the obligation to disclose sources to authorities if requested and restrictions on accessing any funding.” Unlike the old law, which required official licensing from the Ministry of Communication to establish a newspaper, the new law is much simpler, allowing journalists to create a media outlet by merely submitting a notification.
