The official media said in a statement that the move, to mark World Press Freedom Day, covers reporters convicted of “gross insult to state officials, offending the president of the republic, injuring state institutions, defamation and insult.”

“This measure, which expresses the constant concern of the head of the state to preserve, consolidate and reinforce the freedom of the press, is an additional pledge for the safeguard of the rights and freedoms in our country.”

As in many cases involving journalists in Algerian courts, these journalists have not been sent to prison, despite their sentences, and they remain at liberty and are free to work. “As a result, although their sentences are not suspended, the effect of the move is similar to a suspended sentence, with the threat of jail time hanging over the journalists concerned, journalists say” (according to the Khaleej Times).

The measure, which refers to over 10 journalists sentenced to jail terms in recent years, brings some relief to what independent media have called a clampdown on free speech.

The Khaleej Times said the “local independent media gave the move a guarded welcome.”

“It is an action that may be seen as political goodwill to defuse relations between the authorities and the press,” influential newspaper El Watan said in an editorial.

Algerian journalists enjoy more press freedom than in many other Arabic-speaking countries but independent newspapers tend to have “strained” ties with the government.

Source: Khaleej Times