Algeria Pardons Key Journalist from 2019 Pro-Democracy Movement

Algerian journalist Ihsane El Kadi, a prominent figure during the 2019 pro-democracy protests, has been pardoned and released from prison. He was serving a sentence for taking foreign funding for media projects. His release coincided with Algeria's 70th revolution anniversary, alongside 4,000 others pardoned.

In a significant move, Algeria has pardoned journalist Ihsane El Kadi, known for his role during the 2019 pro-democracy protests, after he served time for receiving foreign funding for his media outlets.

El Kadi, along with eight other imprisoned critics of the state, gained their freedom on Thursday evening. The timing aligned with the 70th anniversary of Algeria's revolutionary struggle, an occasion historically used by authorities for issuing pardons.

According to El Kadi's lawyer, Fetta Saddat, he was released from El Harrah prison following a presidential decree by Abdelmadjid Tebboune. This decision saw a total of 4,000 prisoners, including those connected to minor offenses and past protests, granted clemency.

(With inputs from agencies.)