Macron Condemns Detention of French-Algerian Author Boualem Sansal in Algeria

The French president calls for the release of the 75-year-old writer, citing concerns over his health and strained diplomatic ties between France and Algeria.

• French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized Algeria for the 'arbitrary detention' of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal, detained on national security charges since November 2024.
• Sansal, 75, is on a hunger strike, raising serious concerns about his health, according to PEN America and international literary figures who have called for his release.
• Macron stated that resolving Sansal’s case is essential for rebuilding trust between France and Algeria, whose relations have deteriorated over immigration and territorial disputes.
• The author’s arrest is linked to comments he made supporting Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara, a stance that has fueled diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
• Algeria has accused Macron of interfering in its internal affairs, while France has threatened to restrict visas and development aid over Algeria’s refusal to accept deported nationals.

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The Guardian