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The French-Algerian writer, who received a pardon from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is at the heart of the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. He gave Laurent Delahousse his first television interview since his release.
This video is an extended version of Boualem Sansal’s interview broadcast on November 23, 2025 on the 20 Heures de France 2 news broadcast.
His first speech was eagerly awaited. French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was pardoned on November 12 by the Algerian president after a year in prison, speaks for the first time since his release, Sunday, November 23, at 8 p.m. news in France 2. “I’m fine”confided the writer, who returned to France on Tuesday after being transferred first to Berlin for medical treatment. “After ten months, we found life again”also said the author, who claimed to have it “difficulty speaking” after this year spent in detention.
Boualem Sansal, who appeared with short hair, was arrested again, a “surprise”, and conditions of detention. “When I left the airport they covered my head, for six days I didn’t know where I was or who I was dealing with.”details the author who was arrested on November 16, 2024 in Algeria, before being sentenced in first instance, then on appeal, to five years in prison, specifically for “attack on national unity” by the Algerian justice system. If he was arrested, according to him, it was because“war has begun between France and Algeria”. following Emmanuel Macron’s declaration of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
“Life in prison is difficult, the time is long, we get tired quickly, get tired quickly, we feel like we are dying. After a month, three months, we no longer recognize ourselves”explained Boualem Sansal who also “cut off from the world”. During this detention, he said he read but did not write. “I can’t psychologically”confided the French-Algerian, who thought “to the books (which he will write) Later”.
The author also tells of his release: transfer to another prison, “terrifying”then a visit to the hospital. He said he then spoke to a man “very important”, maybe that “secret service boss”, to whom he said he stated: “I never criticized Algeria, I criticized the regime, the people and the dictatorship.”
“I control my every word”Boualem Sansal also admitted that he was aware of the gravity of the diplomatic context between Algiers and Paris. “I’m afraid for my family if I return to Algeria with my wife, and I’m afraid that this time my wife will also be arrested to force me further. I think about my cellmates who, I think, will be arrested and interrogated.” The author also conveyed his thoughts to Christophe Gleizes, the French sports journalist who was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria for “apologizing for terrorism” and whose appeal hearing will take place on December 3.
Boualem Sansal, who was received by Emmanuel Macron upon his return, spoke about the diplomatic context, believing that former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau’s statements against the Algerian regime could be an obstacle to his release. “I want France and Algeria to become good friends”argued Boualem Sansal, who called for a “reconciliation” between the two countries and wants to return to his home country “As soon as possible if we (he) allow”. “I can’t live without writing, that’s my way of life”, concluded the author.
