The Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has condemned an Algerian court’s decision to formally indict a local journalist on serious charges that could see him jailed for life.
Said Chitour is an Algerian freelance journalist and fixer who has worked with both local and international media organisations, including the BBC.
Mr Chitour was arrested five months ago at Algiers airport for allegedly passing on sensitive documents to foreign diplomats in his country.
He has been in custody since June and was formally indicted on Sunday on charges of “complicit relations with a foreign power”. The court has not yet set a trial date.
Algeria is reputed for its restrictions on freedom of speech but this latest indictment by a court of law has stunned human rights observers and press freedom advocates.
His lawyers have argued that the prosecution hasn’t produced any evidence of the charge. Reporters Without Borders is now calling for his release.
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The ex-BBC journalist (R) is married with three children
It’s not the first indictment of its kind against an Algerian national, but it is still considered rare.
In January the Algerian blogger Merzoug Touati was arrested on the same charge – for posting an interview with an Israeli citizen. He could be jailed for up to 20 years.
He went on hunger strike in early October and his health has reportedly deteriorated since.
