In a significant legal decision, an Algerian appeals court has confirmed the five-year prison sentence imposed on Boualem Sansal, a renowned writer who holds dual French and Algerian citizenship. Sansal's case has stirred controversy and heightened diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France, stemming from Algeria's colonial past. The accusations against the author center on alleged actions that jeopardize national unity and security; he was charged after expressing support for Morocco in a territorial dispute.
Since his arrest, Sansal has been detained for over seven months, and his health is reportedly deteriorating, as he battles cancer. The Algerian president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has previously dismissed Sansal's plight as part of a campaign against Algeria, while France's Foreign Ministry has decried the verdict as "incomprehensible," demanding compassion and a swift resolution for their citizen.
With the political landscape in Algeria becoming increasingly oppressive, critics highlight that the government has been cracking down on dissent since Tebboune's election, which was bolstered by military backing in 2019. Support for Sansal grew after he made critical remarks about the Algerian government and praised Algeria's historical ties with colonization, leading to interventions from French writers and public figures who label the proceedings against him as an infringement on free speech.
In an update on his well-being, Philippe Gallimard, Sansal's publisher in France, reported that his attorney was able to visit him and found him in relatively good spirits, suggesting that they might seek amnesty to expedite his release. However, the Algerian court remained unresponsive to inquiries about the specifics of the appeal. This legal conflict illustrates the tempestuous relationship between Algeria and France, rooted in a shared but painful history.
Since his arrest, Sansal has been detained for over seven months, and his health is reportedly deteriorating, as he battles cancer. The Algerian president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has previously dismissed Sansal's plight as part of a campaign against Algeria, while France's Foreign Ministry has decried the verdict as "incomprehensible," demanding compassion and a swift resolution for their citizen.
With the political landscape in Algeria becoming increasingly oppressive, critics highlight that the government has been cracking down on dissent since Tebboune's election, which was bolstered by military backing in 2019. Support for Sansal grew after he made critical remarks about the Algerian government and praised Algeria's historical ties with colonization, leading to interventions from French writers and public figures who label the proceedings against him as an infringement on free speech.
In an update on his well-being, Philippe Gallimard, Sansal's publisher in France, reported that his attorney was able to visit him and found him in relatively good spirits, suggesting that they might seek amnesty to expedite his release. However, the Algerian court remained unresponsive to inquiries about the specifics of the appeal. This legal conflict illustrates the tempestuous relationship between Algeria and France, rooted in a shared but painful history.
