Macron says French-Algerian author under ‘arbitrary detention’ in Algeria

Sansal’s arrest was linked to comments he made backing the argument that Morocco’s land was truncated by colonial France to the benefit of what would become Algeria. Photograph: Markus Schreiber/AP

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has said he is concerned about the “arbitrary detention” and health of Boualem Sansal, days after the French-Algerian author began a hunger strike over his imprisonment in Algeria.

On Tuesday, Pen America issued a statement calling for the immediate release of 75-year-old Sansal, noting that “his hunger strike adds to grave concerns for his wellbeing”.