Algeria: Journalist Hadda Hezam sued over allegations of defaming Islam.
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Algeria: Journalist Hadda Hezam sued over allegations of defaming Islam.
October 20, Algiers, Algeria— Al-Shorouk media sues journalist and editor-in-chief of Al-Fagr news outlet, Hadda Hezam over allegations of defaming and attacking Islam. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns legal harassment of the journalist and calls for the involved parties to respect freedom of expression and press.
On October 19, journalist Hadda Hezam expressed her views about the future of Algeria and its constitution in a TV interview. Journalist Hadda said that the article in the constitution that states Islam as the state religion should be revoked and that any religion shouldn’t be part of the constitution as religion and politics shouldn’t intersect. In her interview, she didn’t undermine or attack any religion but expressed her vision about how separation between state and religion shall be established in the new era in Algeria after the revolution.
Although Hadda’s comments couldn’t be considered as defamation or attack on Islam by anyhow, Al-Shorouk media claimed in a statement that they will sue the journalist over her remarks and further stated the following “when there is targeting of and insulting to Algerians’ religious feelings or whenever there is tampering with nation constants and pillars, we are on the lookout for any westernization or ignorance. Defending our identity and sanctuaries is the core of our media mission”
Hadda is a well-known journalist and famous for her firm stance on freedom of press and expression. She is the first woman journalist to establish and manage a newspaper in Algeria. She founded Al-Fager newspaper in 2000 and was enlisted as one of the top 50 women in Africa in 2015.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism affirms its ultimate respect for religious sanctuaries and beliefs, nevertheless, we assure that these beliefs shouldn’t be used to target and sue journalists for expressing their views. CFWIJ stands with journalist Hadda against this legal intimidation and supports her ultimate right of expression and opinion. We call upon the Al-Shorouk media entity to retract from this legal pursuit and use dialogue as a method to settle differences.
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The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world, and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
Follow us on Instagram @womeninjournalism and Twitter @CFWIJ. Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org
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