Afrocover
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics & Policies
  • Africa-Wide
  • Opinions
  • Exclusive
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Afrocover
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics & Policies
  • Africa-Wide
  • Opinions
  • Exclusive
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Afrocover
No Result
View All Result

Macron urges Algeria to free jailed writer Boualem Sansal 

By Agency Report

March 31, 2025
in Africa-Wide, News, Politics & Policies
0
Macron urges Algeria to free jailed writer Boualem Sansal 
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Whatsapp

French President Emmanuel Macron has called upon Algerian authorities to release French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was sentenced to five years in prison for remarks deemed a threat to Algeria’s national security.

Sansal, 80, was arrested in November upon his arrival at Algiers airport from Paris. His detention and subsequent sentencing have drawn international criticism, with concerns raised about his health and freedom of expression.

It is worth knowing that Sansal was charged under Algeria’s anti-terrorism laws after commenting in a French media interview that France unfairly ceded Moroccan territory to Algeria during colonial times.

However, this led to accusations of undermining Algeria’s territorial integrity. His sentence includes a fine of 500,000 Algerian dinars. Sansal, who has cancer, is currently imprisoned in a hospital ward.

President Macron expressed concern over Sansal’s “arbitrary detention” and health condition, stating that such actions hinder the restoration of trust between France and Algeria.

He emphasized the need for “common sense and humanity” in resolving the situation.

In earlier response, Algeria’s parliament criticized Macron’s remarks as “blatant interference” in the country’s internal affairs, asserting that the case is under judicial review according to Algerian law.

The Algerian foreign ministry also rejected Macron’s comments, stating that Sansal’s detention pertains to challenging the nation’s territorial integrity, an offense punishable under Algerian law.

Sansal’s imprisonment has sparked international outrage, with prominent writers and human rights organizations calling for his release and highlighting concerns over freedom of expression in Algeria.

Relations between France and Algeria have been strained recently, particularly after France supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a move that Algeria opposed.

However, in Monday’s call, Macron and Tebboune spoke of their willingness to repair relations, and to resume cooperation on security.

They also said that “fluid” migration between the two countries should “immediately” be restored — seeking to soothe tensions after Algiers refused to accept the return of undocumented Algerian migrants from France.

A joint panel of historians plumbing the past between France and Algeria, its former colony that won independence in 1962 after a bloody eight-year conflict, will also get back to work, they said.

The two leaders also agreed in “principle” to meet in person at a future date, the statement said.

Tebboune said a week ago that he viewed Macron as the “only point of reference” for mending French-Algerian ties.

Related Posts

NIPOST denies drug peddling allegation, warns unlicensed couriers
News

NIPOST denies drug peddling allegation, warns unlicensed couriers

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has denied allegations linking it to drug trafficking activities, saying it does not engage...

by Rasheed Aladejana
July 6, 2025
Ukraine forces capture Nigerian mercenary fighting for Russia 
Africa-Wide

Ukraine forces capture Nigerian mercenary fighting for Russia 

A Nigerian man, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, who had been fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing Ukraine war, has been...

by Rasheed Aladejana
July 6, 2025
WAFCON: CAF president hails Morocco’s football advancement 
News

WAFCON: CAF president hails Morocco’s football advancement 

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has lauded Morocco’s unwavering commitment to the development...

by Rasheed Aladejana
July 5, 2025
Ex Army chief calls for return of military discipline through NYSC
News

Ex Army chief calls for return of military discipline through NYSC

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), has called for the introduction of mandatory military training for...

by Rasheed Aladejana
July 5, 2025
Next Post
Uganda signs crucial refinery deal with UAE consortium as US investors pull out

Uganda signs crucial refinery deal with UAE consortium as US investors pull out

Afrocover news

The Afrocover team is a group of media enthusiasts that are committed to illuminate information fairness and objective media coverage across Africa. We also cover the depth of African Politics, History, Culture, Entertainment, and the Economy as the case may be.

© 2025 Afrocover – All right reserved

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Loading
Facebook Twitter
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics & Policies
  • Africa-Wide
  • Opinions
  • Exclusive
  • About Us
    • Contact Us

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.