“There is no compensation, this is just a form of pardon,” said the French ambassador to Algeria

After nearly a year in prison, the French-Algerian writer was pardoned on Wednesday by Algeria and transferred to Berlin, Germany, where he received medical treatment.

“This release is the end of a process that has been underway for months, to reach the joyful news of yesterday, the beautiful day of yesterday, when Boualem Sansal finally found freedom.”react, Thursday, November 13, at franceinfo Stéphane Romatet, French ambassador to Algeria, was recalled to Paris from April 17 in the context of tensions between France and Algeria.

“There is no compensation, this is a gesture of clemency”assured the ambassador. The French-Algerian writer was transferred to Germany on Wednesday evening. “France has worked from day one, together with Germany, to find this solution”explained Stéphane Romatet confidently “that a trusted third party is required”.

Communication channel between France and Algeria “recovering”also confirmed Stéphane Romatet, although the two countries have been divided in recent months, in particular due to the crisis triggered by the arrest and conviction of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria.

“We took the initiative to rebuild (the channel) quietly, also with respect and consideration for Algerian partners”said the ambassador. “It is very important to ensure France’s security and his statement today, November 13, clearly has its full meaning”he emphasized.

“All our hopes are fixed on a happy, judicious outcome of the acquittal of Christophe Gleizes at his appeal hearing, on 3 December”also hopes for Stéphane Romatet, after Boualem Sansal’s pardon.

Sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, 36, was sentenced to seven years in prison at the end of June in the first instance in Algeria, primarily for “apology for terrorism”. The judge accused him of having been in contact with the leader of the Jeunesse sportif de Kabylie (JSK) football club, which is also responsible for the Kabylie Self-Determination Movement (MAK), which was classified as a terrorist organization by Algerian authorities in 2021. An appeal hearing is expected to take place on December 3. “All our hopes are fixed on the wise decision of the Court of Appeal which will try Christophe Gleizes”, support the ambassador.