ALGERIA - Moving Away From Reform.

In fact, the regime appears to be moving in the opposite direction, i.e. towards reducing even existing freedoms. The government is said to be debating whether to make "overtly" Islamist dress or appearance a criminal offence on the grounds they are subversive.

Hardline Justice Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, has reportedly proposed amendments to the penal code in a cabinet meeting that would make it an offence punishable by "three to five years imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 to 200,000 dinars" if anybody who wears clothing or displays outwards signs that constitute Islamist propaganda or promotion. According to a report on 'Algeria Interface' dated Feb. 2, 2001, those punishable under the amendments would include people "the wearing of the qamis (long tunic), the djelbab (full veil), khol on the eyes, and shaggy beards".

Separately, the Arabic daily 'El Youm' recently published the leaked draft of controversial proposals for new legislation to curb media freedom. The draft legislation on press freedom will repeal the more liberal Information Code, passed in 1990. The Ministry of Communication will also have the power to order the suspension or closure of any form of publication - and that will, significantly, include "publications diffused by means of electronic media".

This comes as the government is preparing an amendment to the penal code that provides for much tougher penalties for libel and slander. They include fines of between $700 and $70,000 and prison terms of up to three years for any journalist or publication found guilty of slandering official state bodies and institutions. The vast majority of privately owned news publications have condemned the amendment as a serious threat to the freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, the crackdown against the Islamic militants continues without let up on the one hand, while the government is trying to balance that with a soft approach towards those militants who have surrendered and been given amnesties. Recently, during an impromptu visit to Batna, Bouteflika called on women from "civil society" to avoid behaving in a way that might shock amnestied Islamic guerrillas.