Algerian Writer Sentenced for Remarks on National Borders

ALGIERS, Algeria — An Algerian court has sentenced Boualem Sansal, a prominent 80-year-old French-Algerian author, to five years in prison for allegedly undermining national unity through controversial remarks about the country’s territorial integrity. The court’s ruling comes amid rising tensions between Algeria and France, particularly after President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Morocco‘s claim to Western Sahara, a disputed territory.

Sansal, known for his outspoken criticism of both Algerian authorities and Islamism, was arrested last November upon arriving in Algeria. His comments, made in an interview with the far-right French media outlet Frontieres, suggested that colonial decisions by France had unfairly limited Moroccan territory, potentially inflaming nationalist sentiments in Algeria.

Following the verdict, many intellectuals and political figures, including Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian Nobel laureate, and Macron, expressed concerns about Sansal’s health and the implications of his imprisonment. “Boualem Sansal’s arbitrary detention, on top of his worrying health situation, is one of the elements that need to be settled for confidence between our countries to be fully restored,” Macron stated.

Sansal’s case has become emblematic of the deteriorating relations between Algeria and France, which were exacerbated by Macron’s comments last summer and Algeria’s withdrawal of its ambassador to Paris. The writer’s supporters have described him as a pawn in the complicated diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

The court found Sansal guilty under anti-terrorism legislation, which human rights advocates argue is often used to suppress dissenting voices within Algeria. His charges included undermining national unity and insulting state institutions. The public prosecution had originally sought a 10-year sentence. Sansal was also fined 500,000 Algerian dinars (approximately $3,734).

Family, friends, and supporters have raised serious concerns about Sansal’s health, reporting that he has spent time in a hospital due to health complications while in detention. “This is a tragic case where a writer has been targeted for expressing his views,” said his lawyer François Zimeray, highlighting issues with the legal process and medical access offered to his client.

Sansal’s literary contributions, particularly his award-winning novel “2084,” which critiques religious extremism, have garnered him a significant following in France but little recognition in Algeria, where his works are often banned. His impending novel, “Vivre,” is scheduled for release in May and addresses themes of colonization and apocalypse.

The political significance of Sansal’s case has drawn attention from both France’s Foreign Ministry and various human rights organizations, including PEN International, which have called for his release. “The case is increasingly seen as an avenue for Algiers to assert its stance amidst growing animosity towards France,” commented legal analysts.

As the geopolitical implications of his situation unfold, observers note that the resolution of Sansal’s case may hinge on broader diplomatic negotiations between Algeria and France.