 Benchicou is a leading figure in Algeria's vibrant media |
The Algerian government has denied trying to silence independent media with the jailing of a newspaper editor fiercely critical of the authorities. The justice minister insisted on Wednesday that Mohamed Benchicou, editor of Le Matin newspaper, had been jailed for financial wrongdoing.
"This has nothing to do with freedom of expression or politics," he said.
Mr Benchicou was jailed for two years on Monday, in a case regarded by some as a warning to the private press.
He was accused of violating Algeria's laws on money transfers abroad.
"A citizen was stopped last August with (Algerian bank) cheques and was judged and jailed accordingly," Justice Minister Tayeb Belaiz said on Wednesday.
"Of course he has the right to appeal," he added.
Human rights groups, opposition parties and several dailies say the case was an excuse to silence Mr Benchicou.
Algeria has a vibrant print media, with more than 40 newspapers.
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