On November 1, Algerian journalist Ihsane El Kadi was released from El Harrach prison following a presidential pardon for over 4,000 prisoners. El Kadi, a prominent journalist and founder of Interface Media, had been arbitrarily detained since December 24, 2022, and was serving an unjust five-year sentence for exercising his right to freedom of the press. Despite his release, Interface Media remains dissolved, and the authorities continue to withhold his and his wife’s passports, violating their right to freedom of movement.
Background: Arrest and sentencing
Ihsane El Kadi was detained in December 2022 and targeted for his independent and critical reporting on the Algerian authorities, including their human rights violations. As the director of Interface Media, which operated independent outlets Radio M and Maghreb Emergent, El Kadi faced charges of receiving funds “that could harm the security of the state” and foreign funds “for political propaganda.” These charges were linked solely to his journalistic work.
In April 2023, the Sidi M’hamed tribunal sentenced him to five years in prison. The Algiers appeals court later increased this to seven years, which was reduced by two years in July 2024 as part of a presidential decree. The same decree confirmed the dissolution of Interface Media, forcing Radio M to shut down—an attack on freedom of expression in Algeria.
Impact of global solidarity
Following his release, Ihsane El Kadi expressed “infinite gratitude” to those who campaigned for his freedom. He credited international activism with influencing the authorities’ decision to pardon him and improving his detention conditions. El Kadi emphasized the importance of global solidarity, stating that international campaigns provide hope and reassurance to detainees, reminding them they are not forgotten.
In a video message on November 4, El Kadi extended his thanks to everyone who supported him and his family, highlighting the need to uphold “our shared humanity” and protect rights across borders.
Broader context: Release of other activists
Among the pardoned prisoners were at least 23 other arbitrarily detained journalists and activists. This included Mohamed Tadjadit, known as the “poet of the Hirak” protest movement, and human rights defender Mohad Gasmi, imprisoned since 2020.
El Kadi’s release underscores the critical role of global advocacy in securing justice and defending freedom of expression in Algeria and beyond.
NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUESTED. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT APPEALS.
