Algerian authorities ban entry to foreign journalists covering protests

Border control officials claimed Moroccan reporter Abdullah Imassi, who works for the satellite TV giant Alhurra in Washington DC, did not have a valid journalism permit to work in the country.

A German reporter was also banned from entering, despite having a valid visa.

An Algerian official involved in the matter told The New Arab on Thursday that the reporters' officers hadn't contacted the proper authorities in order to obtain journalism permits.

The same source said that "foreign media must respect the laws binding journalism work in Algeria."

Algerian authorities were contacted for comment but did not respond.

Media in the North African country has been under tight control even during the months of anti-government protests that finally prompted ageing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in April.

Earlier this month, an Algerian state television presenter was fired after slamming the media's role in supporting the regime of ex-leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika and pushing for greater freedoms.

Evening news anchor Abderrezak Siah called public TV a "mouthpiece for corruption".

Journalists from state media have denounced "pressure" from their bosses to refrain from reporting on the demonstrations that first broke out in February.

Algerians are scheduled to elect a new leader on July 4.

However demonstrators are still flocking to the streets in a show of anger over social and economic woes.

On Wednesday, at least 24 police officers were wounded in clashes with protesters rallying against unemployment in the central Algerian province of Tinerkouk.

A quarter of Algerians under 30 are unemployed and there have been regular protests in the resource-rich centre and south of the country over a lack of development and jobs.

Agencies contributed to this report.

Follow us on Twitter: @The_NewArab