Comments:Detained journalist Mohamed Tamalt dies in Algeria

Back to article

This page is for commentary on the news. If you wish to point out a problem in the article (e.g. factual error, etc), please use its regular collaboration page instead. Comments on this page do not need to adhere to the Neutral Point of View policy. Please remain on topic and avoid offensive or inflammatory comments where possible. Try thought-provoking, insightful, or controversial. Civil discussion and polite sparring make our comments pages a fun and friendly place. Please think of this when posting.

Use the "Start a new discussion" button just below to start a new discussion. If the button isn't there, wait a few seconds and click this link: Refresh.

It's striking that Tamalt's lawyer accused Algeria's journalists of abandoning their fellow. As noted, Algerian journos are having a tough time of it and the prison gates loom large. Yet, in the UK we have... Well, not no such problems, but nothing even vaguely comparable. This man was a UK national working from London and I'd never heard of him. Algerian media has at least been cautiously needling at various authorities, prompting ministerial response. Where were the Brits?

I can't comment on the fairness of the accusation, having only just got up to speed with the situation; I can say with confidence the Algerian press are not the ones who should be bearing the lion's share of the legal team's disappointment. Like a parent scolding a child, the lawyer doesn't seem mad... Just disappointed. So am I.