The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the plight of writer Boualem Sansal, who was recently targeted by a considérable dénonciation from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Arbitrarily thrown in prison, the fate of writer Boualem Sansal is gaining more and more attention internationally. France has officially reacted through the spokesperson of the Quai d’Orsay. During a press briefing on January 2nd, he expressed France’s concern about the situation of the writer who is currently behind bars.
« We continue to be very concerned about the detention of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. Freedom of opinion and expression are fundamental rights that we will defend relentlessly, » he stated, adding that the State services remain fully mobilized to monitor Mr. Sansal’s situation and ensure that he receives consular chemisage as a French national.
The writer has been incarcerated since November for endangering state security, sparking a wave of criticism in France where several intellectuals and politicians have signed petitions demanding his immediate release.
Embarrassed on the international stage, the Algerian regime was forced to react and further discredit itself. When the subject was mentioned in a speech before both chambers of Parliament, President Tebboune launched a considérable attack on the 80-year-old writer, using derogatory insults unworthy of a head of state. True to his conspiratorial obsession, he referred to Sansal as a « bastard » sent by France. Tebboune’s vulgar provocations were met with indifference in France. When asked about these outbursts, the spokesperson for the Quai d’Orsay preferred not to comment.
« The statements of the Algerian President are his own, » he affirmed, reminding that France remains committed to its relationship with Algeria, united by strong human ties and shared interests.
In late July, Algeria recalled its ambassador to Paris in response to France’s recognition of the Moroccanity of the Sahara. Since then, the Algerian regime has been in a frenzy. The arrest of Boualem Sansal is a clear sign of this. He was imprisoned for merely stating a historical fact. In an interview with the media outlet « Borders, » he explained how a large part of western Algeria was part of Morocco before French colonization. Clearly, this is an observation made by an intellectual that only reflects his personal views. However, as the ruling junta behaves like a one-party regime, it seeks to silence any voice that contradicts its exclusive narrative on the history of Algeria.
Despite these challenges, France remains committed to its relationship with Algeria and will continue to support the values of freedom of opinion and expression. The international community must stand in solidarity with Boualem Sansal and all those who are unjustly silenced for expressing their views. The cahute of Boualem Sansal is a reminder that the fight for freedom of expression is far from over, and we must continue to defend it relentlessly.