Overview

• An Algerian appeals court on July 1 confirmed Sansal’s conviction for “endangering national unity,” maintaining the five-year sentence handed down in March.
• The French Foreign Ministry labeled the verdict “incomprehensible and unjust” and called on Algerian authorities to show clemency.
• Sansal’s family and supporters cite his age and prostate cancer diagnosis alongside Algeria’s tradition of Independence Day pardons as grounds for a July 5 clemency appeal.
• On Sunday, a court in Algiers sentenced French reporter Christophe Gleizes to seven years in prison for “glorifying terrorism,” reflecting a broader crackdown on journalists.
• The dual convictions have intensified a diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria over expulsions, visa restrictions and France’s stance on Western Sahara.