Independent Algerian paper faces closure threat
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Independent Algerian newspaper El Khabar is facing likely closure after the government cracked down on its ad revenue and challenged its pending sale in court.
The newspaper has been critical of the government, notably its handling of the gas-dependent economy.
The advertising agency for state companies banned ads in Arabic language El Khabar in 2014, at the request of the communications minister. Ads by state-run companies make up the vast majority of ad revenues for Algeria's press, and Algerian authorities in the past have used this as a tactic to silence critics.
FILE - This Jan.8 2011 file photo showsfood industry magnate Issad Rebrab, owner of the Khabar media group, in Algiers. Independent-minded Algerian newspaper Al Khabar is facing likely closure Wednesday May 4, 2016, after the government cracked down on its advertising and challenged its pending sale in commercial court.The paper¿s income plunged, so it sold a majority stake to Rebrab. (AP Photo)
El Khabar's income plunged after the government move, so it sold a majority stake to food industry magnate Issad Rebrab. The Communications Ministry alleged the deal was illegal for technical reasons.
An Algiers commercial court held a hearing Wednesday on whether to invalidate the sale, but delayed a decision until May 11.
Rebrab told The Associated Press that the legal action is "a power play against independent press in Algeria."
FILE - A car belonging to the Al Khabar newspaper parks outside a commercial court in Algiers, Tuesday May 3, 2016. Independent-minded Algerian newspaper Al Khabar is facing likely closure Wednesday May 4, 2016, after the government cracked down on its advertising and challenged its pending sale in commercial court. The newspaper has been critical of the government, notably its handling of the gas-dependent economy. (AP Photo/Sidali Djarboub)
