Five years in prison for writer Boualem Sansal: hope for mercy?

Five years in prison for writer Boualem Sansal: hope for mercy?

On July 1, 2025, the Algiers Court of Appeal confirmed the five-year prison sentence for the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. This means that the legal situation of the 80-year-old author, who has been imprisoned for over seven months, remains fragile. His sentence was imposed in March 2025 for comments he made in October 2024 that were critical of Algeria's colonial legacy. The charges cover a wide range: from “endangering the state” to “insulting the state.” Despite his critical situation, Sansal, through his new French lawyer, Me Pierre Cornut-Gentille, made no comments on the possibility of further legal action, which is open to him within eight days.

The French government reacted to the verdict with great concern. Paris described the decision as "incomprehensible and unjustified" and urged the Algerian authorities to make a gesture of leniency given Sansal's health, who suffers from prostate cancer. This could potentially coincide with the upcoming 63rd anniversary of Algeria's independence on July 5. In the past, elderly or sick inmates often received clemency on such occasions.

The background to the punishment

The constitutional challenges facing Boualem Sansal are rooted in the tense diplomatic situation between Algeria and France. The unrest in bilateral relations has worsened since July 2024, when France recognized an autonomy offer for Western Sahara. These developments led to harsh reactions and mutual expulsions of diplomats. As a result, French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes was sentenced to seven years in prison for “glorifying terrorism,” which further strained trust between nations.

When Sansal was arrested, his notoriety in Algeria was limited. His pro-Israel views have not given him much support in his own country either. Therefore, his supporters' hopes of obtaining a pardon are rather weak. Nevertheless, the echo of his convictions remains unchanged in discussions on Franco-Algerian relations.

Political perspectives

While the court's decision is considered final, there have already been discussions about a possible political solution. The Algerian Interior Minister has indicated that an act of clemency could be considered given Sansal's health. The French National Assembly's resolution for Sansal's immediate release, passed on May 6, 2025, can be interpreted as a further indication of the political efforts of both sides.

Next week, when Algeria's Independence Day will be celebrated, could be decisive for the writer's fate. Family members and supporters hope the holiday's significance could potentially lead to a pardon. However, so far there has been no response from the Algerian authorities, which continues to keep the situation tense for Sansal.

So the question remains: Will Boualem Sansal be able to watch Algeria celebrate its independence anniversary on July 5, 2025, or will he continue to sit behind bars? The hope for a humanitarian message from Algiers remains alive among observers of the political landscape.

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