Algeria Detains Franco-Algerian Author Boualem Sansal Over Political Allegations

The 75-year-old writer's imprisonment intensifies diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France, highlighting broader geopolitical disputes.

Boualem Sansal, a prominent Franco-Algerian writer, was arrested on November 16 at the Algiers airport and charged with 'endangering state security.'
Sansal's detention is linked to his outspoken criticism of the Algerian regime, his pro-democracy stance, and his recent remarks on French and Moroccan history.
The arrest comes amid deteriorating relations between Algeria and France, following France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a stance opposed by Algeria.
Sansal, known for his critiques of authoritarianism and extremism, is being held in a prison hospital, with his legal team appealing the charges and focusing on freedom of expression violations.
French officials, international literary figures, and Nobel laureates have called for Sansal's release, urging stronger diplomatic pressure on Algeria.