Kamel Daoud Faces Allegations Over Goncourt-Winning Novel 'Houris'

The Algerian-French author denies claims of using a survivor's story without consent, as the Académie Goncourt suspends its Algerian program in protest of censorship.

• Kamel Daoud, winner of the 2024 Prix Goncourt for his novel 'Houris,' has denied allegations that the book is based on the personal story of Saâda Arbane, a survivor of Algeria's civil war, without her consent.
• Arbane has filed two legal complaints against Daoud and his psychiatrist wife in Algeria, one of which has been accepted by a local court, potentially leading to a trial in absentia.
• Daoud defends 'Houris' as a fictional work representing the collective tragedy of Algeria's 'Black Decade,' rejecting claims of unauthorized use of Arbane's experiences.
• The Académie Goncourt has suspended its 'Choix Goncourt de l’Algérie' program, citing the Algerian government's ban on 'Houris' and restrictions on its publisher, Gallimard, from participating in the Algiers Book Fair.
• The suspension also highlights broader concerns over freedom of expression in Algeria, including the recent detention of another Franco-Algerian author, Boualem Sansal, for alleged threats to state security.

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