French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal sentenced to five years in Algerian Prison

French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, known for his criticism of the Algerian government and Islamism, has been sentenced to five years in prison, according to AFP. His case has further strained diplomatic relations between Algeria and France.

Sansal was arrested in November upon arrival at Algiers airport. He was charged with undermining Algeria’s territorial integrity after an interview with a far-right French media outlet, where he claimed that France had unjustly granted Moroccan land to Algeria during its colonial rule.

Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated since last July when France officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which advocates for a referendum on the disputed territory.

A court in Dar Beida also convicted Sansal of insulting state institutions and attempting to sabotage the economy, according to Bloomberg.

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned the arrest, calling the charges “not serious”. He has repeatedly urged for Sansal’s release, citing the writer’s fragile health due to cancer.

Sansal’s French lawyer issued a statement on X, saying, “With his age and health, every day he spends in jail is even more inhuman. I appeal to the Algerian presidency: justice has failed, let humanity at least prevail.”

Christophe Lemoine, a spokesman for France’s Foreign Ministry, expressed regret over the sentencing, stating, “We reiterate our call for a quick, humanitarian, and dignified resolution to this situation.”

Before the sentencing, political analyst Hasni Abidi suggested that Sansal might receive a presidential pardon during upcoming Muslim or national holidays.