**Updates IFEX alert of 15 May 1996** On 19 May 1996, the East Constantine state printing house refused to publish the fourth issue of the satirical weekly “Mesmar”. The paper’s editors were informed verbally of the suspension, but were given no official reason. On 15 May, managing director Mohamed Zetili, managing editor Mustapha Nattour and […]
**Updates IFEX alert of 15 May 1996**
On 19 May 1996, the East Constantine state printing house refused
to publish the fourth issue of the satirical weekly “Mesmar”. The
paper’s editors were informed verbally of the suspension, but were
given no official reason.
On 15 May, managing director Mohamed Zetili, managing editor
Mustapha Nattour and political cartoonist Mohamed Nacer Belfounes
were arrested and charged with “contempt” for insulting a public
institution (see IFEX alert). The three were held for questioning
for 48 hours before they were released on parole. A fourth
journalist, cartoonist Mohamed Staofi, was also arrested a day
later and awaits a Constantine examining magistrate’s decision on
his case.
These attacks on “Mesmar” and its staff are thought to stem from
several cartoons criticizing authorities.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Send appeals to Algerian authorities:
-urging that they do everything in their power to ensure that
“Mesmar” is allowed to publish and that all charges against its
staff are dropped
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.
