The Algiers Court of Appeal has upheld a five-year prison sentence and a fine of 500,000 Algerian dinars against prominent French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. Previously sentenced by the Criminal Court of First Instance of Dar El Beïda on March 27, Sansal faced additional appeal proceedings on June 24, where prosecutors sought to increase his sentence to 10 years. However, the appeal court denied this request, maintaining the original verdict.
Sansal’s arrest on November 16, 2024, at Algiers International Airport upon his return from Paris, led to significant concerns regarding procedural transparency and human rights. Despite international protocols, he was initially held without access to family or legal counsel. Health concerns for the 80-year-old writer have been exacerbated by his multiple hospitalizations due to fragile health conditions. The legal charges stem from an interview wherein Sansal questioned the borders of Algeria, suggesting historical ties of western Algeria to Morocco during colonial rule.
The charge of “undermining national unity” was applied under Article 87 bis of the Algerian Penal Code, a legal provision criticized by UN experts and human rights organizations for its usage against activists and journalists. This case underscores ongoing concerns about Algeria’s response to political dissent.
International reactions have been marked by diplomatic appeals, notably from French President Emmanuel Macron, who has repeatedly called for Sansal’s release. The European Parliament also echoed this sentiment, demanding his immediate release, which prompted allegations of political interference from Algerian lawmakers.
The upholding of Sansal’s sentence occurs amid heightened diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria. These tensions have been intensified by France’s evolving relations with Morocco, particularly concerning the Western Sahara territory, an area where Algeria has supported pro-independence movements. As this case continues to unfold, it remains emblematic of the complex legal and diplomatic challenges within North Africa.