Algerian press freedom protest

About 3,000 human rights activists and opposition supporters have joined journalists in a street demonstrations in Algiers against a new proposed law which they believe will destroy press freedom.

More than 20 independent newspapers in Algeria cancelled their Monday editions to protest against the proposed law.

It would provide for sharply increased penalties for defaming Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, including prison sentences of up to a year and fines of $3,500.

The bill, which was passed by the lower house of the Algerian parliament three weeks ago, still has to be approved by the upper house.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service