Macron Voices Concern Over Journalist’s Sentence
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed strong concerns about an Algerian court’s decision. The court upheld a seven-year prison sentence for French journalist Christophe Gleizes. Macron deemed the ruling “excessive and unjust.”
Macron conveyed his distress during a visit to China on Friday. He emphasized his deep concern for the journalist, his family, and the journalistic profession.
President Calls for Resolution
Macron stated that the sentence sends the “wrong signal.” He insisted on finding a favorable resolution to the situation. This suggests diplomatic intervention to seek Gleizes’ release.
An Algerian court confirmed the sentence on Wednesday. The court accused Gleizes of “glorifying” terrorism. He has one week to appeal to the highest court.
Background of the Case
Gleizes traveled to Algeria in May 2024 to report on Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie. Security services arrested him in Algiers on May 28 of the same year. A court subsequently sentenced him to seven years in prison in June.
Gleizes’ arrest has intensified tensions between Algeria and France. This incident mirrors previous arrests of French citizens.
Past Incidents
Last year, Algerian authorities detained French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. Police arrested him in Algiers on November 16, 2024. He was charged with undermining Algeria’s territorial integrity.
An Algerian court initially sentenced Sansal to five years in prison in March of this year. This arrest followed remarks about France ceding Moroccan territory to Algeria during the colonial era.
France and Germany pressured Algeria to release Sansal. He was ultimately released in mid-November. These incidents highlight the fragile relations between Algeria and France.
