The Failed Attack by Algerian Intelligence on the “lemediterraneen24” Website
In its ongoing attempts to silence free voices that expose issues of corruption within the Algerian regime, entities associated with Algerian intelligence tried to hack and destroy the site lemediterraneen24, owned by journalist Hichem Aboud, who is known for his strong criticism of the Algerian regime and his revelations.
The hacking occurred through access to Aboud’s personal email. This attack aimed to take over the site’s hosting account, allowing the hacker to access the site, delete all content, and then post images with false claims suggesting that Moroccan hackers were behind the attack, in an attempt to mislead site visitors.
Attack Details and Site Restoration
The hacker began by accessing Hichem Aboud’s email, then the hosting account, and finally the site itself, where they deleted all articles and added images promoting the idea of Moroccan hackers’ involvement. The technical support team responded swiftly, regaining access to the site, but the hacker returned to add another provocative image, prompting the team to continue their work to restore the site and all deleted content. Despite repeated attacks, the team managed to fully restore the site, while the hacker continued illegal attempts to access the hosting account to delete the site entirely again.
The site remained deleted for three days, during which time the technical team worked tirelessly to regain control of the site and restore all articles.
Finally, the hosting account, the website, and Aboud’s personal email were fully restored. Technical investigations revealed that the hack originated from Algeria, strongly suggesting the involvement of Algerian intelligence services.
This incident aligns with a series of violations recorded against the Algerian government in its ongoing attempts to repress journalists and activists. Numerous reports indicate that the Algerian government employs repressive methods to restrict freedoms, such as activist arrests and vague charges like “spreading false information” and “compromising national security.”
After failing multiple times to seize control of the site, the entity responsible for the hack tried to bribe a team member with a message offering financial compensation for Hichem Aboud’s personal computer, a step that reflects the extreme desperation of Algerian intelligence and its desire to destroy the free voice represented by Hichem Aboud.
This attack, with its failed hacking and disinformation tactics, highlights Algerian intelligence’s inability to control independent journalism and silence Hichem Aboud, who represents the voice of truth in the face of regime corruption. Their desperate repressive attempts merely reflect the fragility of a power that relies on repression and deception.
In the end, truth remains stronger, and repression will never be an effective way to silence free journalism. Our team affirms that press freedom is not subject to failed attempts or financial enticements, and that honest speech will remain a weapon against injustice and oppression.
