French Journalist Held in Algeria for 7 Years, Despite Pleas for Clemency
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In a blow to press freedom, an Algerian appeals court rejected the appeal of French sports writer Christophe Gleizes, upholding a seven-year prison sentence for 'glorifying terrorism.' Gleizes, a 36-year-old freelancer, was convicted of violating Algeria's anti-terrorism laws and possessing publications intended for propaganda. The journalist pleaded guilty, acknowledging 'many journalistic mistakes,' and asked for clemency, but the court refused. The ruling has sparked international concern, with France's Foreign Ministry calling for Gleizes' release and reaffirming its commitment to freedom of the press worldwide. Rights groups and French media have long criticized Algeria's use of anti-terrorism laws to target political speech and silence dissenting voices. Gleizes, who has been in prison since 2024, is the only French journalist currently incarcerated globally. His case has been closely watched, particularly in light of recent improvements in French-Algerian relations and the release of French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal. However, a pardon from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is now the only way for Gleizes to be released. The charges against Gleizes stem from an interview with a soccer official accused of ties to a banned separatist movement in the Kabylia region. The region has a long history of rebellion, and authorities have cracked down on the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia, a separatist group that has been designated as a terrorist organization. The case highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Algeria, where critical voices are often silenced and foreign reporters are rarely granted visas. While some media figures have been recently released, outlets critical of the authorities remain shuttered, and journalists continue to be prosecuted. The international community is calling for Algeria to respect press freedom and human rights.
