Pardon of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, granted Wednesday 12 noNovember in Algeria, ends “for the arbitrariness of his detention” in Algeria and “give meaning” in the fight for freedom of expression, estimates his support committee in a press release published on social networks His support committee also calls for the release of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, imprisoned in Algeria since May 2024. Follow our live stream.
The Prime Minister expressed France’s relief. Minutes after the announcement of Boualem Sansal’s pardon by the Algerian president, the Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, announced “relieved” government property. “We hope he can be reunited with his loved ones as soon as possible and receive treatment.”convince the head of government, from the National Assembly. Sébastien Lecornu also thanked all those who contributed to the release of the French-Algerian writer, “the fruit of a method made of respect and serenity”.
Departure of plane to Berlin. According to official German sources at France Télévisions, writer Boualem Sansal will leave Algeria on a German plane bound for Berlin. On Monday, the German president asked Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to pardon the writer. Frank-Walter Steinmeier also suggested that the 80 year old writer be moved to Germany “benefited from medical care (…) in view of his advanced age (…) and fragile state of health”.
Those close to the French-Algerian writer spoke out. “I am pessimistic but I always believe in it”, reacting to AFP, Boualem Sansal’s daughter, Sabeha Sansal. Kamel Bencheikh, French-Algerian poet and writer, friend of Boualem Sansal, also reacted to franceinfo: “Amazing, amazing. I’m just waiting for one thing: to receive and kiss him, like we always do.” The gift of the Algerian regime has become “unimaginable”. “We wish many times and the result is always a cold shower”he recalled.
Lots of political backlash. “This is truly a relief. The most important thing is that justice can be upheld.”former Prime Minister and Renaissance president, Gabriel Attal, reacts to X, following the announcement of Boualem Sansal’s pardon. “Through him, freedom of expression, rejection of obscurantism and authoritarianism were held captive”he added. LR’s deputy boss, Laurent Wauquiez, is also pleased with the French-Algerian writer “regaining his freedom, and with it, the hope of all who believe in the power of faith.”he posted on social networks.
