Journalist Abdelali Mezghiche sentenced to three years in prison

On Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Chéraga court in Algiers sentenced journalist Abdelali Mezghiche to three years in prison and a fine of 200,000 dinars. His lawyer, Abdellah Haboul, stated that the defense team intends to appeal the decision to the Algiers court. The verdict follows a trial held on October 25, during which the prosecutor had sought a five-year prison term. Mezghiche has been in pretrial detention at Koléa prison since February 9, 2026, following his arrest on February 5. The charges include five counts, notably spreading false information, inciting unarmed assembly, and endangering national interests, based on his Facebook posts regarding unrest in the city of Djanet. During the trial, the journalist denied the allegations, maintaining that his reports were verified and part of his professional duties. Earlier this year, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) had called for his release and the dropping of charges.