afrol News, 19 September - International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has requested Algerian government to respect rights of journalists and to end harassment.

Appeal follows arrest of three journalists in Tbessa last week who were detained for hours to reveal their sources for published article on security forces who foiled a terrorist attack in Algeria.

The three, Abdallah Zarfaoui, El Khabar repporter, Driss Belkacem from El Shourouk Al Yawmi and Houari Ghrib from Al Nahar were released without any charges after long hours of interrogation.

IFJ General Secretary, Aidan White said that protection of sources is a fundamental right of a journalist and of press freedom, saying government should respect it.

"This type of harassment is an attack on journalists' professional rights, and it compromises ability of media to report in the public interest. If Algeria is serious about its commitment to democracy it will stop harassing journalists," he said.

IFJ which represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide is supporting Tbessa Correspondents Association asking for an end on harassment of reporters and for more protection of journalists' rights in Algeria, also asking for regulations regarding the protection of sources in security related media coverage.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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