Franco-Algerian Writer Boualem Sansal Returns to Algerian Prison After Hospital Stay

The 75-year-old author, detained since November under terrorism charges, remains a concern for French officials due to his deteriorating health.

Boualem Sansal, a 75-year-old Franco-Algerian writer, was transferred back to prison near Algiers after a recent hospital stay for health issues.
The French government, citing concerns about Sansal's health, has been in contact with his wife and lawyers but has been denied consular access by Algerian authorities.
Sansal has been detained since mid-November under Article 87 bis of Algeria's Penal Code, which addresses terrorism and subversion-related offenses.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has expressed readiness to engage with Algerian officials to address Sansal's case and broader diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Reports suggest that Sansal’s detention may be linked to controversial statements he made in 2024, which were perceived as critical of Algeria and aligned with Moroccan territorial claims.