Algerian Authorities Detain Two Journalists Ahead of Elections

February 12, 2026 – Algeria –

Algerian security forces have detained two journalists in the lead-up to the country’s upcoming elections, in moves that rights groups say reflect increasing pressure on independent media and critics of the government. Both reporters were held this week in separate incidents, prompting condemnation from press freedom advocates domestically and internationally.

According to Journalism Pakistan, one of the journalists, Abdelali Mezghiche, a freelance reporter known for covering political affairs, was arrested in Oran on 11 February 2026. Security officials detained Mezghiche without a public warrant and transported him to an undisclosed location for questioning. Authorities reportedly did not immediately disclose the basis for his arrest, but local press bodies characterised the action as part of a broader pattern of targeting journalists ahead of national elections scheduled later this year.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) confirmed Mezghiche’s arrest and documented that he was taken into custody by security forces shortly after he posted critical commentary about government policy on social media. CPJ noted that Mezghiche has previously contributed to independent outlets and that authorities cited alleged “threats to public order” for his detention, a claim his legal representatives dispute. Lawyers for Mezghiche said he was denied timely access to counsel and that charges — if any — had not been made clear in court filings.

In a separate incident the same day, another journalist — identified by local media but not named in CPJ reporting — was detained in Algiers after attending a press conference for an opposition candidate. According to Journalism Pakistan, plainclothes security personnel stopped the reporter after the event, questioned him about his reporting, and held him for several hours before releasing him without charge. Colleagues say the incident was intended to intimidate media covering opposition campaigns.

Press freedom organisations have condemned the detentions, warning they contribute to a climate of self-censorship and restrict independent political reporting at a pivotal moment in Algeria’s electoral cycle. CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa representative said the arrest of Mezghiche, in particular, appears to be linked to his journalistic work rather than any legitimate public safety concern, and urged Algerian authorities to release him immediately if formal charges are not forthcoming.

Journalist unions within Algeria also criticised the arrests, calling on the government to uphold constitutional protections for freedom of expression and press freedom. They called on authorities to ensure that reporters can cover political developments without fear of detention, particularly as campaigning intensifies ahead of the national vote.

The detentions mark a continuation of pressure on independent media in Algeria, where journalists have faced administrative hurdles, legal harassment, and sporadic arrests in recent years. Rights groups warn that such actions undermine democratic norms and the ability of citizens to access diverse and critical reporting during election periods.

Reference –

https://www.journalismpakistan.com/algerian-authorities-detain-two-journalists-before-elections

Algeria arrests freelance journalist Abdelali Mezghiche