An appeals court in Algeria confirmed on Tuesday the five-year prison sentence of Boualem Sansal, a renowned writer of dual Algerian and French nationality. This ruling has further aggravated existing tensions with France, the country Algeria fought against for more than a century during its struggle for independence. Sansal has been criticized for allegedly undermining Algeria's national unity with his views.
Born in Algeria and having recently acquired French citizenship, Sansal has remained a vocal critic of both the Algerian government and Islamic fundamentalism. His conviction stems from statements he made that sided with Morocco over a territorial conflict, leading to his imprisonment for over seven months.
Comments from Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune earlier suggested that Sansal's case is part of a wider strategy against Algeria, fueling discontent among the Algerian populace. Meanwhile, France's Foreign Ministry has classified the court's verdict as “incomprehensible and unjustified,” urging the Algerian authorities to show mercy and consider a rapid resolution for Sansal's situation.
Support for Sanasl is growing, with calls from French politicians, writers, and intellectuals for his release, particularly given his advancing age and ongoing health issues, including cancer. Antoine Gallimard, Sansal's publisher, reported that despite the circumstances, Sansal remains in reasonably good spirits.
Relations between Algeria and France have taken a downward turn in recent months, marked by reciprocal diplomatic expulsions and growing criticism from both sides. This strain has intensified since French President Emmanuel Macron openly supported Morocco regarding Western Sahara, aggravating old wounds from Algeria's colonial past.
Sansal’s case has become a focal point in this strained relationship, revealing deeper issues surrounding freedom of speech and political dissent in Algeria under its current administration, which has adopted repressive measures against opposition voices.
