Khaled Drareni: Imprisoned to Silence his Voice

Khaled Drareni is an Algerian journalist who was sentenced to two-years in prison simply for

doing his job. Khaled was arrested on March 7 whilst covering a protest, for which he was later released. His freedom was not long lived as he was again arrested on March 27 and has been imprisoned ever since. On September 15 Khaled was sentenced, on appeal, for two-years in prison for "incitement to unarmed gathering" and "harming the integrity of national territory".

Drareni used his journalism to promote the protests of Hirak. Since mid-February, largely peaceful mass demonstrations have been taking place every Friday across Algeria, calling for political reform, initially opposing a fifth madidate of President Bouteflika. The protests called for a complete change of the political system. Algerian authorities have been

oppressive on the Hirak protests since their start, with many arguing they've used unnecessary and excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrations and arbitrarily detained in clear violations of their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

During this period of Algerian protest, Khaled has been subjected to several intimidation attempts. From suggestions to use his articles to promote the idea of dialogue between the military and politicians, his phone being seized, lengthy questioning and even being told that his articles were subversive, false and tendentious.

Furthermore, Drareni was offered an apartment and premises for an NGO in exchange for his help "in channelling the protestors" via social media. An offer he promptly refused. Again, in attempt to bribe him, a colonel and a major offered him important positions, including Head of the Algerian state radio, in exchange for a change to some of his social media approaches. Khaled again refused. On the charge of "endangering the integrity of the national territory", the security forces directed towards one of Khaled's social media post which stated "when we call for press freedom, they reply with corruption and money, and money doesn't buy everything. Long live freedom of the press."

Khaled's only crime here was to carry out his work as a journalist, informing the public of the actions of the Algerian government. Instead of criminalising its critics, they should learn from them and create a better system which benefits all. Unfortunately, Khaled is not a singularity, the Algerian judiciary has stepped up prosecutions and convictions of journalists, activists, political opponents and bloggers in recent months.

Reporters Without Borders Secretary-General Christophe Deloire embodied the views on many in condemning the actions of the Algerian government, stating that "Khaled's detention proves the regime has locked itself into a logic of absurd, unfair and violent repression."

In Khaled's own words, "why should anyone refrain from telling the truth?" He simply dreams of freedom and equality in Algeria.

Amnesty International are working to facilitate his release. You can support them in their work by signing their petition demanding Khaled's release here: www.amnesty.org/en/get-involved/take-action/w4r-2020-algeria-khaled-drareni/

Call for his unconditional and immediate release, don't let the world forget his name.