Algiers: An editor has accused Algeria’s government of censorship after it blocked the publication of his two newspapers.
Hesham Aboud, editor of the ‘My Journal’ and ‘Djaridati’ newspapers, said that happened after he rejected an order from the Communication Ministry on Saturday night to remove an article from the papers that claimed hospitalised President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika had slipped into a coma.
The 76-year-old leader suffered a stroke last month and is being treated in France.
Aboud said: “This is more than an act of censorship, it’s a ban on publishing.” He said the articles were quoting credible medical sources.
The Communications Ministry said its action prevented a breach of national security.
Officials have repeatedly said that the president is recovering well and will soon return to Algeria.