German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Algerian authorities to release Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal,who was sentenced to five years in prison in July for remarks questioning Algeria’s colonial-era borders.
Sansal,80,was arrested in Algiers in November 2024 after publicly stating that western Algeria had historically belonged to Morocco and that France had redrawn borders during its colonial rule.
His comments cost him conviction on charges of undermining national unity.
President Steinmeier,in a statement issued Monday,called on Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to grant Sansal a humanitarian pardon and proposed that the writer be transferred to Germany for medical treatment,citing his advanced age and fragile health.
“A gesture of this nature would reflect a humanitarian attitude and a long-term political vision,” Steinmeier said.
The Algerian presidency confirmed the request and broadcast it on state media,suggesting a release was imminent. Though no timeline was provided for a decision.
Sansal’s imprisonment has drawn criticism from France,which has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure his release.
French president Macron has previously called for his release and French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said last week that Paris was pursuing a “demanding dialogue” with Algiers on the matter.
The case has further strained relations between Algeria and France,which have been locked in a diplomatic standoff for over a year,following Paris’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.
The dispute has led to the expulsion of diplomats,the recall of ambassadors,and restrictions on visa holders.
Sansal’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Algeria. Rights groups have accused the government of using charges such as terrorism and undermining national security to silence critics,including journalists,activists,and intellectuals.
United News - unews.co.za