The National Organization for Algerian Journalists issued a statement on the July 5 Stadium incident – Algerian dialogue

The National Organization for Algerian Journalists issued a statement on the stampede at the July 5 stadium in the capital yesterday during the last round of the first professional league.

The organization’s statement stated: The National Organization of Algerian Journalists continues with great sorrow and unfortunately the repercussions of the unfortunate stampede incident that occurred in the stadium of the July 5 Olympic stadium, which resulted in casualties and injured fans of the Mouloudia Algeria club, and extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured.

In light of the broad media abuse with this painful event, the organization emphasizes the need for various national media to have professional ethics, especially in covering such tragic events that affect the feelings of public opinion.

The organization stresses the importance of the national media commitment to high professionalism in transferring information from its official and approved sources, in order to avoid the spread of false or distorted news that may offend public understanding or open the door to wrong interpretations.

And the necessity of respecting the sanctity of the victims, and avoiding broadcasting or publishing pictures and clips that affect their dignity or show them in inhumane conditions, as human dignity remains above all considerations, and is invaluable.

And reminding what is stipulated in the organic law related to the media, especially Article 35, which obliges the journalist and the media institution to respect the dignity and rights of people, and prevent the publication or broadcast, images, sayings, signals, or immoral or shocking gestures of the citizen’s feelings.

And calling on all those in charge of the national media, in its various forms, to exercise their duties within a strict moral framework, and in line with the provisions of Article 3 of the Organic Information Law, which provides for the practice of media activity within the framework of respecting national constants, ethics of the profession and human dignity.

And emphasizing the importance of balance and moderation in media handling, away from intimidation or decoration, in line with the requirements of social responsibility assigned to the media in such sensitive circumstances.

As the National Organization of Algerian Journalists renews its solidarity with the families of the victims, it calls on the national media family to make this painful incident a reflection and path correction, and to enhance a human and responsible media culture, which places the dignity of the citizen at the center of its priorities.