Algeria on Wednesday passed a media law that drew scorn from journalists, civil society groups and opposition legislators who charged that it restricts freedom of expression.
The law promises press freedom but also lists 12 areas in which journalists must tread carefully to avoid undermining Algeria's national identity, sovereignty and security and the country's economic interests.
Opponents argue that the wording is ambiguous and gives too much latitude to judges who can decide to fine journalists up to 3,000 euros ($3,900) or jail them in case of non-payment.
The new law demands "a wide range of ideological allegiances, like respect for national sovereignty and economic interests -- expressions that are so vague that they hoist an intolerable sword of Damocles over the freedom of the press and expression," parliamentarian Ali Brahimi told AFP.
"Here we are closing the media," said Zoubida Kherbache, a member of the opposition Workers Party.
Media workers voiced disappointment over the bill, which was among reforms promised by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April in response to a wave of popular protest that was part of the Arab Spring.
"A law should protect journalists and give them the means of accessing reliable information, not the opposite," said journalist Meriem Benchaouia.
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