Algerian Journalist Omar Ferhat Arrested by Authorities

Algerian journalist Omar Ferhat, a co-founder of the independent media outlet Radio M, was arrested by state security forces in Algiers on 14 January 2026, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported, marking a concerning escalation in the North African country’s suppression of independent journalism. Ferhat’s detention comes amid a broader crackdown on civic space and press freedom, human rights advocates say.

Local press freedom groups said Ferhat was taken into custody without a formal warrant shortly after leaving his home, and that security personnel provided no clear explanation for the arrest at the time. Authorities later informed Ferhat’s lawyer that he was being held for questioning related to allegations of “undermining national unity” and “endangering state security,” charges frequently used by Algerian officials to detain dissenting voices without a transparent judicial process.

Ferhat has been widely recognised for his role in founding Radio M, a platform launched in 2019 that focuses on investigative reporting, civic affairs, and accountability journalism in a media environment where independent outlets face legal and financial pressures. As a prominent voice in independent media, Ferhat has been critical of corruption, governance issues, and restrictions on civic freedoms, coverage that has drawn both public support and official scrutiny.

According to CPJ and local advocates, Ferhat was held incommunicado for several days before lawyers were permitted to visit him. Family members and colleagues reported that authorities did not clearly outline the basis for the detention or the specific laws under which he was being investigated, raising concerns about due process violations. Civil society groups described repeated requests for information from prosecutors as unanswered or delayed, contributing to uncertainty over his legal status.

Press freedom organisations, including CPJ and Reporters Without Borders, have condemned the arrest and called on Algerian authorities to release Ferhat immediately if he is not to be formally charged with a specific criminal offence. They argue that his detention appears tied to his work as a journalist rather than any legitimate public safety concern, and that punishing investigative reporting undermines constitutional protections for free expression.

The arrest of Ferhat highlights broader patterns of repression in Algeria, where media professionals and activists have faced increasing legal harassment. Independent outlets have reported administrative obstacles, financial penalties, and criminal investigations in recent years, contributing to a chilling effect on critical reporting. Advocates warn that without judicial guarantees and respect for press freedom norms, journalists will continue to be vulnerable to arbitrary detention and legal retaliation for their work.

CPJ is monitoring the situation closely and urging international bodies to engage with Algerian authorities on ensuring Ferhat’s rights are respected, including access to legal counsel, transparent charges, if any, and humane detention conditions. The organisation notes that the treatment of Ferhat may influence press freedom conditions for other journalists in Algeria and beyond.

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Algerian authorities arrest journalist Omar Ferhat