The ongoing detention of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria has ignited international concern amid demands for his immediate release as fears for his safety deepen.
French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal – arrested in Algeria over a week ago – remains uncharged and has not been questioned by a prosecutor, according to his lawyer, François Zimeray.
Sansal was detained on 16 November at Algiers airport while returning from France, with the Algerian government agency APS confirming his arrest but providing no further details.
Zimeray expressed concern about the lack of information surrounding Sansal’s condition and legal situation during an interview on BFMTV. “There has been no court appearance today, and I’ve received contradictory information about the circumstances of his detention,” he said.
France 'concerned' over disappearance of writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria
The lawyer also told RTL radio that he had "no precise news" about the state or conditions of detention of the 75-year-old writer, who has been a vocal critic of religious fundamentalism and authoritarianism.
He also emphasised the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the risk of serious penalties – including life imprisonment – looms over Sansal due to his supposed “offences” against Algeria's national integrity.
His comments to the French media – perceived as aligning with Morocco's stance on colonial history – may have been the catalyst for his arrest, marking a potential threat to Algerian state interests.
Call for Sansal's release
This comes as the Académie Française has voiced solidarity with Sansal, urging for his immediate release.
This stance emerged amidst a growing global outcry following an article by thirty literary figures – all recipients of the Académie’s Grand Prix du Roman – who have called for the protection of Sansal and respect for his rights.
In the wake of this, renowned academic Jean-Christophe Rufin proposed an unprecedented emergency vote for Sansal's induction into the Académie.
“Every member of our Academy is anxious to see this writer from both France and Algeria return swiftly to the life he has led until now,” the Académie stated, echoing sentiments of many who regard Sansal as an important literary and political voice.
Meanwhile, the Académie des Sciences d'Outre-Mer has also called for Sansal's freedom, with its permanent secretary, Dominique Barjot, expressing deep concern over his arrest.
“We call for his freedom of movement and expression to be restored without delay,” Barjot remarked, highlighting the collective outrage from the academic community.
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Diplomatic tensions
Zimeray has also emphasised the broader implications of Sansal's arrest, asserting that it should concern intellectuals worldwide – not just those in France or Algeria.
“This isn’t merely a Franco-Algerian issue; it pertains to the very principles of freedom of expression and human rights,” he stated, advocating for a defence team in Algeria that could effectively represent Sansal within local legal structures.
The incident comes at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria, worsened by France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan concerning the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
In view of the friction within Franco-Algerian relations, Sansal's arrest is seen as a further complication in an already strained environment.
