Algiers – The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the French Chargé d’Affaires in Algiers following the broadcast of a documentary on French state television, France 2, that Algeria deems ‘offensive’ to the country and its symbols.
According to a statement released by the Ministry, the summons was issued in response to the program, which Algeria views as a blatant attack on the Algerian state, its institutions, and its national emblems. The Ministry held the broadcasting channel responsible for this serious transgression.
The Ministry drew the French Chargé d’Affaires’ attention to the gravity of this media offense, asserting that the responsibility extends beyond the channel itself to the official bodies overseeing it. The statement further emphasized that the Algerian government considers Paris to be actively involved in a hostile campaign against it.
‘Contrary to all established diplomatic norms and practices, the contribution of the French Embassy in Algeria and the personal participation of the French Ambassador in this offensive media campaign reinforces the impression that the campaign enjoys the endorsement of the French authorities,’ the statement read.
The Algerian government strongly condemned the program and its inclusion of unacceptable accusations and insults against the Algerian state and its institutions. The Foreign Ministry clarified that the French diplomat was informed of the Algerian government’s right to take all measures warranted by the gravity of such actions. The government views this as a new escalation of hostile practices orchestrated by official French circles to maintain a state of permanent tension in Algerian-French relations.
Several political parties, including the National Liberation Front (FLN), the National Democratic Rally (RND), and the National Construction Movement, as well as various Algerian organizations, have also condemned these media campaigns launched by French media outlets against Algeria. They consider these campaigns to be based on misinformation and aimed at targeting state institutions, symbols, and sovereignty.
France 2 aired an investigative episode of the program ‘Complement d’Enquete’ last Thursday.
