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2mo ago

Macron Condemns Detention of French-Algerian Author Boualem Sansal in Algeria

The French president calls for the release of the 75-year-old writer, citing concerns over his health and strained diplomatic ties between France and Algeria.

Algerian writer Boualem Sansal delivers his speech after receiving the Peace Prize of German book seller's association "Friedenspreis des Deutschen Buchhandels" during a ceremony in Frankfurt October 16, 2011. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo
Relations between France and Algeria 'shouldn't be subject to political games', said Macron

Overview

  • French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized Algeria for the 'arbitrary detention' of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal, detained on national security charges since November 2024.
  • Sansal, 75, is on a hunger strike, raising serious concerns about his health, according to PEN America and international literary figures who have called for his release.
  • Macron stated that resolving Sansal’s case is essential for rebuilding trust between France and Algeria, whose relations have deteriorated over immigration and territorial disputes.
  • The author’s arrest is linked to comments he made supporting Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara, a stance that has fueled diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
  • Algeria has accused Macron of interfering in its internal affairs, while France has threatened to restrict visas and development aid over Algeria’s refusal to accept deported nationals.