Algeria upholds prison sentence for French-Algerian writer Sansal
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Author Boualem Sansal remains imprisoned after Algeria’s appeals court upheld his five-year sentence, igniting diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers.
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Algerian writer Boualem Sansal poses in Paris on September 4, 2015 (AFP)
An Algerian appeals court has upheld a five-year prison sentence for French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, POLITICO reported, citing his supporters.
The decision has intensified criticism of Algeria’s approach to dissent and fueled diplomatic tensions with France.
Sansal, a prominent author and outspoken critic of the Algerian regime, was arrested in November upon arriving at Algiers airport.
In March, he was convicted of “undermining national unity.” Despite widespread calls for his release, the court reaffirmed his sentence, leaving his supporters outraged.
Outrage in France
French Prime Minister François Bayrou condemned the decision, stating that the situation imposed on Sansal was "unbearable for all the French and for this government."
The 80-year-old novelist, who is battling cancer, has reportedly been in and out of the hospital since his detention.
His imprisonment has sparked protests across the literary community. Sansal was awarded the Grand prix du roman de l’Académie Française in 2015, one of France’s highest literary honors.
Tensions rise between Algeria and France over Western Sahara
Observers have linked Sansal’s detention to growing diplomatic friction between Algeria and France. The relationship between the two countries deteriorated further after France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara in the summer of 2023.
Sansal’s supporters accuse Algerian authorities of using him as a political pawn, engaging in what some have termed "hostage diplomacy".
Macron condemns verdict, calls for pardon
French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly called for Sansal’s release. In January, he declared that Algeria had "dishonor[ed] itself" by keeping the writer in prison.
Sansal’s fate may now lie with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who is reportedly considering a pardon ahead of Algeria’s Independence Day on Saturday.
Literary world and supporters demand Sansal's release
Noëlle Lenoir, a former French government minister and head of Sansal’s support group, denounced the court's ruling.
“We are outraged by this verdict. [The Algerian government] is playing with us. We are now hoping for a presidential pardon, we have no other solution,” she said.
The verdict against Sansal follows another controversial case in Algeria, where French journalist Christophe Gleizes was sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of advocating terrorism.
His employer, So Foot, maintains his innocence, stating he was "locked up for doing his job."
Read more: Algerian national assembly condemns French Senate's provocations
