Algerian authorities have arrested prominent independent journalist Ihsane El-Kadi and shut-down his ‘Radio M’ a digital radio channel which was seen as the last remaining space for free political debate in the country.
El-Kadi was arrested in the early hours of Saturday by six ‘plainclothes’ police officers at his home in a village east of the capital Algiers, according to family members. He was later taken in shackles to the offices of Radio M in the capital, where police removed computers, cameras and other equipment before sealing off the premises.
El-Kadi, who founded ‘Radio M’, was acquitted in two previous cases in relation to his social media postings. He was handed a six-month sentence earlier this year that was deferred until a higher court could hear an appeal. His family and lawyer say his arrest is not related to that case but may be connected to another column he wrote this month.
