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Boualem Sansal: Five years in prison – France calls for clemency on Independence Day
The confirmation of the five-year prison sentence for writer Boualem Sansal by the appeal court in Algiers is causing tensions between France and Algeria.
Boualem Sansal: Five years in prison – France calls for clemency on Independence Day
The current situation surrounding the French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal sheds a bright light on the strained diplomatic relations between France and Algeria. On July 1, 2024, the appeal court in Algiers confirmed a five-year prison sentence for Sansal. The 80-year-old has been behind bars for over seven months and his health is worrying as he is suffering from cancer. In another development, Sansal was informed by his new lawyer, Pierre Cornut-Gentille, that he can file a review petition within eight days, which is seen in the literature on the case as the first positive development. Orange reports that...
The charges against Sansal are serious and include “attacks on national unity” and “possession of videos that threaten the security of the country.” He had vehemently defended his supposedly critical statements about the political situation in Algeria during his interrogation in the appeal hearing. France's government has expressed great regret over the court's decision and is calling for a show of leniency from the Algerian authorities. This situation is made even more sensitive by the approaching date of July 5 - the 63rd anniversary of Algeria's independence - as many hold out hope that this could provide an opportunity for a possible pardon.
Diplomatic tensions
Relations between France and Algeria have been further strained by Sansal's arrest. Diplomatic cooperation has suffered, especially since the French government floated the idea of an autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This has led to the exchange of diplomatic notes and even the expulsion of diplomats in the past. Given the extreme interests of both countries, Sansal's case could significantly complicate the return of the French ambassador and the issuance of diplomatic visas. Le Figaro reports that…
Another example of the tense relations between the two countries is the sentencing of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was sentenced to seven years in prison on June 29, 2025 for “apologizing for terrorism”. His case shows how the Algerian authorities are targeting journalists, especially from abroad, under the pretext of a “harmful influence” on national security. Gleizes was arrested in connection with his coverage of a football club in Tizi Ouzou and is now seen as part of a wider wave of repression against critical voices. CIHRS reports that…
Outlook and expectations
In Algiers, Boualem Sansal is less well known and does not have the same support as in France. This is partly attributed to his pro-Israel positions, which do not go down well in his home country. Despite all this, the French National Assembly hopes for a quick release of the writer, with the President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, being the sole authority in deciding to grant an Aminnest. His arrest and the ongoing proceedings have the potential to further deepen the crisis in diplomatic relations between France and Algeria.
It remains to be seen whether the upcoming holidays will bring about a change in this tense situation or whether political differences will continue to stand in the way of a comprehensive agreement.