French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal sentenced to five years in prison
Al Jazeera3 days ago
Algeria: Author Boualem Sansal Jailed for Five Years
Above: A sign calls for the freedom of Boualem Sansal during a gathering in support of Boualem Sansal in Paris on March 25, 2025. Image copyright: Magali Cohen/Hans Lucas/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
After Algeria had to fight for its independence from France in a bloody struggle over 60 years ago, it's sheer hypocrisy for France to now cry for humanity. Sansal's statements potentially undermine Algeria's sovereignty and stability, and the sentence is even lenient considering the prosecution's demand for a ten-year prison sentence for violating anti-terrorism laws.
Left narrative
France is right to condemn the arrest and sentencing, as they are expressions of political persecution and censorship directed against a respected writer for expressing his personal opinion. The case is an example of the deterioration of freedom of expression in an increasingly authoritarian Algeria and serves as a political tool in tense French-Algerian diplomatic relations.