(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to Justice Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, RSF expressed its strong concern over the assassination attempt against Abdelbaki Djabali, “El Watan”‘s bureau chief in Annaba (eastern region of the country). Robert Ménard, RSF’s secretary-general, asked the minister to “do everything in his power to ensure that the perpetrators of this assassination attempt […]
(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to Justice Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, RSF expressed its strong concern over the assassination attempt against Abdelbaki Djabali, “El Watan”‘s bureau chief in Annaba (eastern region of the country). Robert Ménard, RSF’s secretary-general, asked the minister to “do everything in his power to ensure that the perpetrators of this assassination attempt are clearly identified and punished.” In a report released in July 2000, RSF made note of the regular threats that weigh on Algerian newspapers’ local correspondents. Furthermore, the organisation recalled that fifty-seven media professionals were assassinated between 1993 and 1996 in Algeria.
According to information obtained by RSF, on 7 December, Djabali narrowly escaped an accident caused by a truck driver on the road between Annaba and El Hadjar. The journalist alleges that the truck driver, who was following his vehicle too closely, intended to force him off the roadway. At the end of November, two men attempted to assault him with a knife. A few days later, unknown individuals attempted to break into his home. In addition, for almost two months, Djabali has been regularly receiving death threats over the telephone. For several years, the journalist has been known for his investigations into corruption, misappropriation of funds, and mis-management of public funds. On 10 December, “El Watan”‘s management lodged a “complaint against X”.
