Algerian newspaper El Khabar has topped Arab newspapers in distribution rates. The newspaper's distribution estimations exceeded 600.000 copies a day, despite its short life (the paper has only been published for eighteen years), and the huge number of lawsuits which have been aimed at its editors and reporters over the years, the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) has said.
The independent daily newspaper is the fruit of efforts of serious Algerian journalists. It was started in 1990 as a journalists' cooperative with a distribution of 18,000 to become one of the major Arab press institutions, and the best-selling Arab newspaper. This, despite the difficulties facing the newspaper from the outset, such as the assassination of its founder, Omar Ourtilane, and the obstruction of Arabisation policies in the community.
Most of the citizens speak French either as well as or sometimes instead of speaking the Arabic language. There is also a repressive political atmosphere and lawsuits are continually brought against its journalists and editors. This has happened dozens of times to director, journalist Ali Djerri, for example, ANHRI said.
Gamal Eid, ANHRI Executive Director, said in a statement, "Amid the pessimistic atmosphere that lacks freedom of expression and freedom of the press in the Arab world, El Khabar [Link]newspaper's success comes as a bright ray of light at the end of the tunnel, its pioneering experience needs to be appreciated, and we wish not only that Arabic private press institution should follow its example, but also government controlled press. "
The founder of El Khabar newspaper, Omar Ourtilane, had been dreaming of circulation figures reaching one hundred thousand copies before he was assassinated in 1995, when the newspaper decided to give an annual award to a journalist who practices his profession with exemplary courage, whether in Algeria or in another state.
