An Algerian court on Thursday sentenced French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal to five years in prison for “undermining national unity,” a ruling that France said it “regrets” while urging a swift resolution to his case.
Sansal, a longtime critic of Islamism and the Algerian government, has been detained in Algeria since November, during which he was hospitalized for health issues. French authorities and fellow writers have repeatedly called for his release.
Tensions between France and Algeria have escalated in recent months, particularly after Paris recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a territory where Algeria supports the Polisario Front independence movement. Sansal’s imprisonment and Algeria’s refusal to accept deported nationals from France have further strained diplomatic ties.
“We regret the sentencing with a long prison term of our compatriot Boualem Sansal,” said French foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine. “We reiterate our call for a quick, humanitarian, and dignified end to this situation.”
Sansal, who was present in court, denied the charges and insisted he had no intention of harming Algeria or its institutions. Private broadcaster Ennahar TV reported that he was also fined approximately $3,700.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has previously criticized Sansal, calling him an “imposture.” Despite his critiques of the government, Sansal has frequently visited Algeria, and his books have been sold there without restrictions.
Algiers has also withdrawn its ambassador to Paris and condemned French officials’ visits to Western Sahara. In response to Algeria’s stance, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau recently warned of potential retaliatory measures, including restrictions on some Algerian diplomatic passport holders.
