Maamar Gani Fires Back: Defiant Response to Baseless Accusations, Ethical Failures by Madar Holding CEO Charaf-Eddine Amara
✏️ BY: Dzair Tube
Algiers, Algeria | September 17th, 2024 — In a resolute statement, Maamar Gani, a distinguished figure in the Algerian media landscape, has addressed the baseless accusations leveled against him by Charaf Eddine Amara, CEO of Madar Holding. In his latest communication, Gani makes it clear that this will be his final public comment on the matter before pursuing legal recourse. Gani’s firm stance reflects his deep commitment to justice and transparency amidst a climate of severe allegations and professional defamation.
Reaffirmation of Integrity Amidst False Allegations
Gani begins by expressing his unwavering trust in the Algerian judicial system, confident that it will vindicate him against the false claims of extortion and foreignness to the journalism profession made by Amara. Despite these serious allegations, which Gani asserts are unsupported by any tangible evidence, he remains steadfast in his belief that justice will prevail.
He extends heartfelt gratitude to the many colleagues who have shown solidarity and support throughout this ordeal. Their encouragement has been a source of strength for Gani. Conversely, he expresses profound disappointment in those who have remained silent, questioning how peers in the industry could ignore the plight of a fellow journalist with an extensive career and a significant role in leading a prominent media organization.
Addressing the Ethical and Professional Missteps
Gani’s statement also critically addresses Amara’s attack on the credibility and integrity of “Dzair Tube.” He rebukes the unfounded accusation of being an “extortionist” and a “stranger” to journalism, highlighting his extensive experience and commitment to ethical journalism. Gani emphasizes that his organization has been a stalwart defender of national interests and truth, underscoring his own unblemished reputation.
The focus of the dispute stems from Amara’s mischaracterization of a legitimate complaint regarding the exclusion of digital media from a prestigious event. Gani contends that this misrepresentation reflects a broader issue of mismanagement and ethical lapses within Madar Holding, particularly in its media department. He calls out the unjust treatment and the lack of accountability demonstrated by Amara’s leadership.
A Call for Professionalism and Fair Play
Gani firmly asserts that the accusations are not only baseless but also detrimental to the ethical standards of journalism. He challenges Amara to provide concrete evidence for his claims and urges him to address the issue through proper channels rather than resorting to defamatory public statements.
In concluding his statement, Gani underscores the essential role of media in serving the public and ensuring fair competition among media outlets. He asserts that any failure in providing adequate coverage undermines public trust and challenges the very foundation of media integrity. His call to action is clear: media institutions must adhere to high ethical standards and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve disputes professionally and respectfully.
Here’s the full text of Maamar Gani’s statement:
I am writing to address the issue of solidarity in light of recent accusations against me, which I will address one final time before seeking legal redress. I have decided to pursue justice through the Algerian legal system, which I firmly trust will vindicate me against the false accusations made by Charaf Eddine Amara, CEO of Madar Holding. Amara has accused me of “extortion” and being “an outsider” to the journalism profession without providing a shred of evidence to support these grave allegations.
Before delving further into the specifics of this case, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my fellow journalists who have reached out and expressed their solidarity. Their support has been a pillar of strength for me during this challenging time, and I will forever remember their brotherly and humanitarian stance. Conversely, I am deeply disappointed by the silence of some colleagues who have failed to stand by me. How can they remain silent when a colleague—someone who has studied journalism, practiced it extensively, and now leads a media organization employing 40 journalists—faces such accusations? This silence is both unacceptable and incomprehensible.
Despite the lack of support from some peers, I am resolute in my path forward. I have always been accustomed to navigating my journey alone, guided by the grace of Almighty Allah and the prayers of my esteemed mother. This is not the first time I have faced injustice and adversity alone, and I am confident that I will overcome it as long as there is Algerian justice to reveal the truth and restore my rights.
It deeply pains me to witness the disunity, fragmentation, and indifference within the journalism sector. It is disheartening to see how my colleagues in the profession have not rallied around me, and worse, how some have even engaged in defamation. To those who revel in such disgraceful acts, I say: do not delude yourselves with misguided intentions. I am not the easy target you imagine; my resolve is strong, and I will not be easily defeated.
Regarding the accusations against me, I was shocked to be labeled an “extortionist” while heading a well-respected Algerian media organization known for its nationalistic stance and defense of state institutions. I am recognized for my integrity and honesty by all authorities. I continue to receive my salary monthly, like any other journalist at Dzair Tube, and I have not used my position to amass wealth or luxury, unlike some others who falsely claim to be journalists.
I am still reeling from the misrepresentation by the Madar Holding director, who distorted Dzair Tube’s coverage of the exclusion of digital media from a ceremony honoring the Paris 2024 Olympic champions. Some trivial individuals suggested that our journalists were merely seeking an invitation for a dinner. In reality, our primary concern was the right to media coverage of an event sponsored by a public Algerian institution.
This institution is publicly owned, not inherited by anyone, and its general director is an employee, not the owner of Madar Holding. Even if our issue were with a private institution, ethical standards require equal treatment for all media outlets without any discrimination, favoritism, or exclusion.
It is worth noting that Dzair Tube is not the only media outlet that complained about this exclusion. Other online newspapers, such as DZAIR MATCH, also expressed their dissatisfaction with not being invited to the ceremony.
What I still find baffling is how a head of a public institution, who should be acutely aware of the consequences of such statements, can make unfounded accusations without any supporting evidence. Amara has described me as an “extortionist”—does he have proof to back this serious claim? If he genuinely believes these accusations, which would only be plausible if there had been a prior incident or a misleading account, why has he not filed a lawsuit against me, as I have done against him for defamation? I will not tolerate such egregious overreach and will seek justice in court.
Furthermore, if Amara believes I am an “outsider” to journalism, is he aware of my educational and professional background? Does he truly believe it has no connection to the journalism field, or is he simply adept at making baseless accusations to avoid confronting the mistakes made by Madar Holding’s media department? The media law recognizes digital media on par with print, broadcast, and audiovisual journalism. The judiciary will reveal the repercussions of Amara’s reckless actions and the false accusations made on social media.
It appears Amara has failed to understand that I am a journalist capable of critiquing his actions through media channels. I have not targeted him personally but have criticized his public role in the media institution’s mistake. He could have directed Madar Holding’s media team to contact us and issue a formal apology for their oversight, ensuring such incidents do not recur.
In conclusion, I must clarify an important point that Amara seems to overlook: the mission of our media organization is to serve the public by covering national events. This necessitates competition among media outlets. Failure to meet this objective could result in losing the trust of our audience, who might see other media covering events we could not. If that happens, it would be better for us to close the organization and return to our homes.
Link to the Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/6hhMB6ddTNZqoEcN/
About Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
