SECTOR 1 amended or repealed, while on the other hand, journalists and magistrates as well as government officials refer to it when they see fit. For one of the panellists ho contributed, as a founding member of the former Movement of Algerian Journalists (MJA), to the drafting of this Act, “making allusions in 2009 to Act 90-07 is unrealistic”. For another panellist, a former member of CSI, the text still remains valid from a legal standpoint. In support of the former argument, the panel recalled that in media-related litigations, judges return a verdict based on the Penal Code and not Act 9007. Certain provisions of the Penal Code relating to media offences have been modified to further toughen up sentences against journalists (see indicator 1.3). Nonetheless, authorities in charge of the communications sector confirm in their paper entitled: Le Livre de la Communication: Modernisation d’Abord, Professionalisme Toujours (The Communications Book: Modernization First, Professionalism Always) published by the Department of State for Communications in celebration of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2009, that this law is “still in effect”. The Secretary of State for Communications has announced, without giving the exact date, the upcoming review of an organic law on information. According to the authorities, this new instrument whose purpose is to promote communication will consolidate provisions relating to freedom of opinion and expression. Members of the panel intend to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 2.7 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ALGERIA 2009 13