Overview
- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune granted the 81-year-old writer a presidential grace on November 12 following a request from German President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier, leading to Sansal’s transfer to Berlin.
- Sansal is being treated at a military hospital in the German capital and will stay at least into early next week to complete examinations, according to a source close to the case.
- From Berlin, he told fellow author Kamel Daoud that he feels “rather well,” declaring, “Bonjour la France, I’m coming back; we will win,” and describing a year in high-security isolation.
- French figures are portraying the release as an opening to recalibrate ties with Algiers, with discussions under way on official visits to rebuild dialogue.
- Another French national, journalist Christophe Gleizes, remains jailed in Algeria with an appeal set for December 3, and reports indicate Sansal’s communications are still limited as diplomats proceed cautiously.