Boualem Sansal, an 80-year-old writer known for his outspoken views, has been sentenced to five years in prison by an Algerian court. This sentence comes after comments he made in a November interview, where he suggested that during the colonial era, France allocated too much land to Algeria and too little to Morocco.
Sansal's statements, which include claims about Western Sahara being historically linked to Morocco, have ignited controversy and reflect the ongoing tensions in Algeria’s diplomatic relationships, especially with France, where he flew from before his arrest.
The writer's health has been a concern during his detention, leading to time spent in the hospital. High-profile figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, have shown support for him, condemning what they describe as his arbitrary detention. Macron emphasized that Sansal’s health and situation must be addressed to restore confidence between Algeria and France.
Sansal’s supporters have likened him to a political pawn caught in the crossfire of France-Algeria relations. The two countries have a history of conflict dating back to Algeria's independence from France in 1962, which has further deteriorated following France's support for Morocco in the Western Sahara dispute.
Following the ruling, Sansal's attorney has appealed to Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for leniency, urging a humane approach to his client’s plight. Sansal is also a controversial figure due to his anti-Islamist stance and critiques of the Algerian government. His most acclaimed novel, "2084," satirically addresses themes of religious extremism, while his upcoming book, "Vivre," explores colonization in a dystopian future.
