On 13 May 1996, Mohamed Zetili and Mustapha Nattour, publisher and editor-in-chief respectively of the satirical weekly “Mesmar”, were arrested at their home by police in the city of Constantine. As well, Mohamed Nacer Belfounes, a cartoonist with “Mesmar”, was arrested on the afternoon of 14 May. No reason was given by Algerian authorities for […]
On 13 May 1996, Mohamed Zetili and Mustapha Nattour, publisher
and editor-in-chief respectively of the satirical weekly
“Mesmar”, were arrested at their home by police in the city of
Constantine. As well, Mohamed Nacer Belfounes, a cartoonist with
“Mesmar”, was arrested on the afternoon of 14 May. No reason was
given by Algerian authorities for the arrests. However, it
appears to be linked to the publication of two cartoons in
“Mesmar”. In addition, the municipal prosecutor of Constantine
ordered the closure of the weekly.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Nattour and Mohamed Nacer Belfounes are released immediately
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.
