La chaîne Echorouk News TV suspendue pour 10 jours suite à la diffusion d’un terme à caractère raciste sur Facebook
On Friday, the National Independent Authority for Audiovisual Regulation (ANIRA) announced the total suspension of Echorouk News TV for ten days. This decision stems from a severe incident involving a racist term posted on the channel’s official Facebook page. The term was related to police actions against irregular migrants during operations in various neighborhoods of Algiers aimed at combating organized crime.
The controversial post, shared on May 1, 2025, included a term that the ANIRA classified as both discriminatory and damaging to human dignity. Such rhetoric was deemed to incite hatred against individuals grouped by race, skin color, or geographic origin, violating several legal frameworks including the organic law 23-14 regarding information and law 23-23 governing audiovisual activities. Additionally, it breached executive decree 24-250, which outlines the general terms for audiovisual communication services.
In its statement, the authority highlighted that the channel’s content also conflicted with the provisions of law 20-05 of 2020, which seeks to eliminate hate speech and empower authorities to prosecute offenders of racist incitement. Despite previous warnings about the dangers of hate speech, Echorouk News TV had reoffended, showing a pattern of unprofessional conduct toward African migrants.
ANIRA noted that the representatives of Echorouk News TV were summoned and confronted with the identified infractions. Their findings indicated a significant ethical lapse and a lack of responsibility in handling a sensitive topic that required professionalism to maintain values of tolerance and respect in the national media landscape.
As a consequence of these violations, the ANIRA mandated a complete halt to Echorouk News TV’s broadcasts for ten days, effective immediately from the release of their statement. They also insisted that the channel’s executives issue public apologies, which would include a clear denunciation of the problematic content.
Acknowledging Algeria’s historical connections with African nations—particularly regarding colonial struggles and shared developmental goals—ANIRA condemned any form of racist discourse, emphasizing that such attitudes are inconsistent with Algeria’s fundamental principles. The authority reiterated its commitment to urging all media services to adhere strictly to the laws of the Republic and uphold ethical standards, thereby promoting a responsible national media image.
In summary, the suspension of Echorouk News TV serves as a critical reminder of the media’s responsibility to avoid hate speech and foster a culture of respect and professionalism.
