Algerian Journalist Sentenced to Prison in Libel Case

25/05/2005

[File] Dilem

An Algerian court sentenced Farid Alilat, former editor of national daily Liberte, to one year in jail on Tuesday (24 May) in the latest libel case brought by authorities against independent media for defaming President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The court also fined leading cartoonist Ali Dilem 50,000 dinars and acquitted a columnist working for Liberte.

The government rejects accusations it is targeting the media saying defamation cases brought by authorities have nothing to do with politics or press freedom. (Reuters)