Algeria suspends football-criticizing media outlet for three days

Algeria's National Independent Authority for Audiovisual Control (ANIRA) has suspended the digital channel Dzair News for three days, citing the broadcast of content that included "serious accusations against members of the national football team." The state-run body, responsible for overseeing and sanctioning audiovisual media, mandated the removal of the offending content from all digital platforms and affiliated social media.

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serious accusations against members of the national football team

According to an ANIRA statement, the authority had previously issued warnings about "the subjectivity of some channels" during and after the World Cup match between Algeria and Argentina, which Argentina won 3-0. Despite these warnings, which emphasized the need for balance and cautioned against insults and betrayal, Dzair News allegedly committed "a flagrant violation of these principles."

The authority did not specify the nature of the "serious accusations" or which members of the Algerian team were targeted, only stating that they were "criminalized by law and contrary to media ethics." ANIRA urged all media outlets to strictly adhere to legal provisions and professional ethics, threatening further legal and regulatory measures for any future violations.

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a flagrant violation of these principles

This action occurs against the backdrop of Algeria's controversial Information Law, enacted in August 2023. Journalists and human rights organizations have opposed the law, arguing it imposes restrictions and censorship on the media. The ANIRA and the Superior Council of Ethics and Conduct were established to regulate this law, with their members appointed by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Algeria ranks 145th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' 2023 world press freedom index.

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accusations serious that are criminalized by law and contrary to media ethics