Macron Urges Release of Boualem Sansal Amid Strained Algerian-French Relations

Watan-French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his confidence in Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his ability to handle the case of writer Boualem Sansal with wisdom. This came in Macron’s comments on Sansal’s trial and the severe sentencing requests by the Algerian prosecution.

Speaking from Brussels, Macron said: “I trust President Tebboune and his insight to know that all of this is not serious, and that we are dealing with a great writer who is, above all, ill.” He added: “Boualem Sansal must regain his freedom and ability to receive treatment. This is what we are fighting for.”

Macron revealed that he had exchanged several messages with his Algerian counterpart regarding the case, stressing that he would not mix Sansal’s fate with other files related to Algeria, which he would address at the appropriate time. The French president also expressed hope for a swift resolution to the case, emphasizing that it is “a humanitarian issue — a matter of dignity for everyone.”

Sansal Faces Trial in Algiers Over Remarks on National Unity

Sansal was suddenly referred on Thursday to the misdemeanor court in Algiers after spending around five months in pretrial detention. The charges relate to undermining national unity and several other accusations, following statements in which he attributed part of Algerian territory to Morocco. The court is expected to issue its ruling on March 27.

The public prosecutor at the Dar El Beïda court in the capital requested a sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of one million Algerian dinars for Sansal, on charges of undermining national unity, insulting a state institution, engaging in activities harmful to the national economy, and possession of videos and publications that threaten national security and stability.

According to Echorouk newspaper, Sansal appeared to be in good health — contrary to the claims made by his French lawyer, who had repeatedly expressed concern for his life. Sansal defended himself in court without the help of an interpreter, insisting that his statements were merely an expression of opinion, as any Algerian citizen is entitled to. He stated that he was unaware that some of his phrases might be perceived as harming national institutions.

Sansal’s trial comes at a time of major crisis in Algerian-French relations, and this case has been one of the causes. The court’s verdict is expected to have significant repercussions — either easing tensions if he receives a reduced sentence and is released, or escalating matters if the court follows the prosecution’s request for a 10-year prison term.

Sansal’s Arrest Deepens Algeria–France Rift

On November 16, the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was arrested on charges of “undermining state security,” after statements he made on a far-right television channel, in which he questioned Algeria’s rightful claim to its current borders and claimed that France had taken part of western Algeria from Morocco. He was placed in pretrial detention under Article 87 bis of the Algerian Penal Code, which punishes “acts that threaten state security” and classifies them as “terrorist acts.”

This case has exacerbated the crisis between Algeria and France, reaching its peak after French President Emmanuel Macron stated that “it does not honor Algeria to imprison a writer,” which triggered strong reactions in Algeria. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune responded by describing Sansal as an “unknown person and thief” who claims that “half of Algeria belongs to another country.”

Sansal, who held a senior government position in the early 2000s (Director of Industry), is known for his controversial positions — considered by some as “treasonous.” He has not hesitated to describe Algerian revolutionary icons as terrorists and has adopted some of the most extreme views on Islam under the pretext of fighting Islamism.