Madjid Boutemine: This is our daily life under the embargo (interview)

Algerian journalist at Al Jazzeera Channel Madjid Boutemine talked about his situation along with his colleagues as Qatar has been boycotted by three Gulf countries for more than a month and a half. He considered their call for closing the channel as a “stupid” solution for the crisis.

Tell us about the situation of Algerian journalists in Qatar.

I think that Algerian journalists in Qatar experience this situation in a normal way with their Qatari brothers. We will stand by the side of Qatar’s people even if the situation gets worse.

Are there any fears about their professional future due to this situation?

There is no fear. It is not right to withdraw from this country which has hosted us for years.

As you work for Al Jazzeera, what is your position toward a call for closing the channel?

It was a studpid request. Al Jazzeera benefited from an international support and sympathy. It showed its strength and importance to Qatari authorities. It has been and will always be the pioneer in the Arab world.

What do you think about the ban on BeIN Sports in some countries although it is a sports channel?

I believe that Qatar is victim of hate and jealousy. They try to stop Al Jazzeera’s success. Some did not accept the fact that a small nation in the Arab world hosts the world’s biggest sports event. 

What do you think about the boycott of BeIN Sports as clubs and teams are not allowed to deal with it?

This did not have any negative impact on BeIN Sports. The boycotters are ignorant and stupid. They were punished by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Mixing between politics and sports is rejected by the FIFA.

What do you think of the Saudi Ambassador’s remarks as he described Hamas as a terrorist movement?

Those are provoking remarks. Certainly, he is aware  of how much Algeria’s people respect the Palestinian resistance.   It seems that he forgot that Algeria has always stood by Palestine’s side.

As a journalist, what do you think of Algeria’s position towards the Gulf crisis?

Algeria’s foreign policy rejects injustice. Algeria and Qatar have strong relations and respect for each other.

The solution will be dialogue or interference from big nations.

Egypt’s former player Mido criticized BeIN Sports’ journalist Lakhdar Berriche. Can you tell us your opinion about this issue?

My colleague Lakhdar Berriche just said the truth. He was right. Mido is ungrateful. BeIN Sports stood by his side and taught him how to look at the camera. He is an opportunist.

Algeria’s Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Teboune said he will organize audio-visual sector by the end of the year. Do you think it is a positive decision?

In fact, I hope that the Prime Minister is honest. Audio-visual field in our country is in total anarchy. This may hit  its stability. I call on Mr. Teboune to be in charge of African refugees’ issue in a logic way. It is unbelievable to allow them to invade streets.

How do you assess Algerian TV current performance?

I can’t criticize Algeria’s TV because I worked there. I wish it stopped playing an official role which reported the government’s vision only.

What should sports journalists in Algerian channels do to be as successful as you and your colleagues?

Some need training and not experience. They should improve their Arabic as well.

Do you plan to come back home?

If Allah decides that.

Did you watch TV shows in Ramadan on Algerian TV channels?

I watched some of them. I was shocked of their weak level. Prank shows were a disaster.