Many French media called on Wednesday 26 November for the release of journalist Christophe Gleizes, imprisoned in Algeria, who “did not commit any crime”they argued before his appeal hearing in early December.
“We hope he can reunite with his loved ones and return to work”they wrote in a column jointly signed by nine organizations including Apig (representing daily newspapers), SEPM (magazine), Reporters Without Borders and several trade unions. It is broadcast on many mainstream titles.
Magazine contributor So Feet And PublicChristophe Gleizes, 36, was sentenced to seven years in prison in late June in the first degree in Algeria, primarily for “apology for terrorism”. His appeal hearing will take place on December 3.
Respect the right to information
Justice accused him of having been in contact with the leader of the Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK) football club, who is also responsible for the Kabylie Self-Determination Movement (MAK), which was classified as a terrorist organization by Algerian authorities in 2021.
The French organizations mobilized kept that in mind“a reporter who questions a sports manager is not engaging in his position: he is doing his job”. They added that “relations between France and Algeria are going through difficult times” but that “Diplomatic tensions should not result in the imprisonment, especially of journalists”. So “Press freedom cannot be held hostage”they stressed.
“We call for respect for the right to information, regardless of political context, and judicial procedures to ensure a fair and impartial examination of the facts”they insisted.
On November 12, after Algeria pardoned French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, Reporters Without Borders have said hello “a humanitarian gesture that started the easing of French-Algerian relations” and hopes that this release will be followed by the release of Christophe Gleizes.
