Chawki Amari, the political cartoonist of the privately-owned daily “La Tribune”, was arrested in his home on the morning of 4 July 1996. His arrest stems from a satirical cartoon depicting the Algerian flag which appeared in the 1st July edition of the daily. The Algiers tribunal examining judge called the cartoon an “insult to […]
Chawki Amari, the political cartoonist of the privately-owned
daily “La Tribune”, was arrested in his home on the morning of 4
July 1996. His arrest stems from a satirical cartoon depicting the
Algerian flag which appeared in the 1st July edition of the daily.
The Algiers tribunal examining judge called the cartoon an “insult
to the national emblem” (“offense a l’embleme nationale”).
Authorities sealed the paper’s offices, and placed legal
restrictions on managing director Khaireddine Ameyar and managing
editor Baya Gacemi (f) pending trial. These actions constitute a
de facto ban on “La Tribune”. The three journalists are being
prosecuted under an article of the penal code which provides for
prison terms of five to ten years for desecrating the national
emblem (“[pour] quiconque dechire, deteriore ou profane
volontairement et publiquement l’embleme nationale”.)
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Algerian authorities:
immediate release of Chawki Amari, to lift the restrictions placed
on Khaireddine Ameyar and Baya Gacemi, and to allow “La Tribune”
to resume publishing as soon as possible
Appeals To
His Excellency Liamine Zeroual
President of the High Council of State
El Mouradia Presidential Palace
Algiers, Algeria
Fax: +213 2 60 96 18
Minister of Communications
Ministry of Communications
Algiers, Algeria
Fax: +213 2 68 44 59
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
