France concerned by disappearance of writer in Algeria

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for information on Franco-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, who vanished after arriving in Algiers last Saturday. Sansal, a vocal critic of the Algerian regime, was reportedly arrested upon landing, according to French media.

“The president is very concerned and is following the situation closely,” the Elysée Palace said, stressing Macron’s commitment to defending Sansal’s freedom. Prominent French politicians have also expressed fears for the writer, known for criticising Algeria and rising Islamism.