The French government has expressed its discontent over an Algerian court’s decision to uphold a seven-year prison sentence for French journalist Christophe Gleizes. Despite diplomatic efforts aimed at persuading Algerian authorities to reconsider the sentence, the appeals made by France were ultimately unsuccessful.
The French foreign ministry issued a statement regretting that the cooperation extended to Algerian officials and the defense team’s arguments did not influence the court’s verdict. The ministry reiterated its call for Gleizes’ release, expressing hopes for a favorable resolution that would allow him to reunite with his family soon. The statement also underscored France’s ongoing commitment to press freedom worldwide.
Relations between France and Algeria have soured in recent months, particularly following France’s recognition of Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara, a territory that has been a longstanding point of contention. The cases of Gleizes and Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian author who previously received a lengthy prison sentence but was pardoned last month by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, have further strained diplomatic ties. Tensions have also been exacerbated by Algeria’s refusal to accept deported individuals from France.
Gleizes, a journalist for the French publications So Foot and Society, was detained in May 2024 while covering a story on sports in Kabylia, located about 100 kilometers east of Algiers. He faced charges of “glorifying terrorism,” leading to his conviction by a local court in June, a ruling that has now been reaffirmed by the Algerian judiciary.
In light of these developments, the situation illustrates the delicate balance of diplomatic relations and the critical importance of press freedom on the global stage.
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