Finally. Announcement this Wednesday, November 12 on the release of the French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, imprisoned since November 2024 in Algeria and sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025 for “attack on national unity” received in France with relief.
The fate of the 76-year-old writer, who is suffering from cancer, worries many in the context of growing hostilities between Paris and Algeria, which have been entangled for more than a year in an unprecedented diplomatic crisis. The first to react, Sébastien Lecornu thanked the deputies “those who contributed to this liberation”, and hope it’s the author “can join their loved ones as soon as possible” And “to be treated”. Bragging in passing “a method made of respect and calm” which led to this release, obtained thanks to German diplomatic mediation.
Political backlash was swift. Gabriel Attal, president of the Ensemble pour la République group in the National Assembly, said about X: “Finally pardoned! After almost a year’s struggle for freedom and against arbitrariness, the Algerian regime finally agreed to release compatriot Boualem Sansal. (…) Our mobilization continues. Boualem Sansal should now be able to return to France immediately. Short-lived Prime Minister took this opportunity to point out that journalist Christophe Gleizes was staying put “imprisoned without reason in an Algerian prison”. “Freedom to think, write, doubt and criticize wins the day,” welcomed President (Renaissance) of the National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet, expressing special thanks “all deputies (…) for their continuous mobilization”.
Les Républicains right-wing deputy leader Laurent Wauquiez was pleased with Sansal “found his freedom, and with it, the hope of all who believe in the power of faith”, be thankful “those who never give up and continue to fight for their liberation.” Horizon deputy leader Paul Christophe spoke “rejoicing in deliverance” This “a brave writer who paid an unfair price for his commitment to truth and freedom of expression.” Christian Estrosi, whose town hall in Nice has displayed a portrait of the writer on its pediment for almost a year, welcomed his arrival. “amazing news”, hope “that he can return to France immediately and that his health condition improves as quickly as possible, after a year of missed treatment.” National Rally President Jordan Bardella and RN deputy leader Marine Le Pen also expressed their opinions “relieved”, affirming that “this release is a victory for the dignity and freedom of expression of a brave and honest writer”.
On the left, former socialist president François Hollande expresses his opinion “emotions and relief” while the boss of Tondelier Marine Ecologist expressed his thanks “those who work for this liberation, with calm and determination.”
Contacted by AFP from the Czech Republic where she lives, Sabeha Sansal, one of the author’s daughters, was also very relieved: “I was a little pessimistic because he was sick, he was old, and he could die there. I was pessimistic but I always believed. I kept hoping it would happen one day.” “I hope we meet again soon,” he added. At Franceinfo, Boualem Sansal’s friend, the French-Algerian poet Kamel Bencheikh, was also touched by the grace that almost came true. “unimaginable” : “Amazing, amazing. I’m just waiting for one thing: to receive and kiss him, like we always do.”
French lawyers Boualem Sansal, Me Pierre Cornut-Gentille and François Zimeray, welcomed it “with deep satisfaction to hear the news of his release, after the ordeal of too long detention”, and said to themselves “glad that humanity has triumphed over all other considerations.” In its press release, the Author Support Committee welcomed this “with great joy” which decision is this? “raising hope that he will be able to recover his health.” “We salute the courage and determination of Boualem Sansal who, never weakened or wavered in his beliefs, even though he faced continued pressure throughout the year,” they added.
Updated at 15:47. with more political backlash.
