Algerian journalist Ihsane El Kadi, initially sentenced to five years in prison on December 29, 2022, has been released following a presidential pardon. His case sparked international controversy after he was accused of receiving foreign funding for political propaganda and undermining state security and public order. During his appeal, his sentence was increased to seven years.
However, the funds in question came from his daughter, who resides and works in London and is a shareholder in Interface Médias, El Kadi’s company that operated Radio M and Maghreb Émergent. The money was used to pay employee salaries, according to the defense.
The case severely impacted his professional activities. On June 19, 2024, Radio M ceased operations following the dissolution of Interface Médias, confirmed by the Algiers Court of Appeal on June 13. Additionally, the court upheld the seizure of the company’s assets, imposed a fine of 10 million Algerian dinars (approximately €70,000), and ordered compensation of one million dinars (about €7,000) to the Audiovisual Regulatory Authority.
The presidential pardon marks a turning point in a case that highlighted the challenges to press freedom in Algeria. The international community repeatedly condemned the judicial process and the treatment of the journalist.
At Free Press Alliance, we celebrate Ihsane El Kadi’s release, as he symbolizes the ongoing struggle for fair and free journalism under adverse conditions.