The fate of Boalem Sansal is always more uncertain. The relations between Paris and Algiers experienced a new rebirth of tension at the beginning of the week, immersing the support of the Franco-Algerio writer sentenced to five years in prison on Algerian soil in uncertainty.
On Sunday, the Algerian authorities ordered the expulsion of twelve French officials in retaliation for the arrest on Friday “of an Algerian consular agent”, accused for the elimination of an influencer opposite to the regime.
“If Algeria chooses climbing, we will respond with the greatest firmness,” said Jean-Noël Barot this Tuesday, April 15.
“A small window had a loaf”
These diplomatic agitation cause “concern and concern” within the support committee. that formed around Boalem Sansalits founder Arnaud Benedetti explains at BFMTV.com.
The new Braz de-Fer that is also committed to shower the hopes born from a beginning of appeasement between the two countries, marked by the common will, in early April, to “rebuild an equal association” after months of verbal climbing.
“There was a small and very small window that had a layout. We are still very cautious and reserved,” said Arnaud Benedetti, editor of the political and parliamentary review, who said he believed in “the possibility of a grace shortly maturity.”
But today, the possibility of a launch seems to be moving away. “It feels like returning, when the situation was at a dead point,” deplores the teacher in political communication.
Boalem Sansal, a “currency”?
Boalem Sansal was condemned for attacking the integrity of the Algerian territory, for having taken charge, in an interview with the borders of the media, the position of Morocco according to which its territory was amputated for the benefit of Algeria under the French colonization.
His imprisonment in November 2024 intervened in a context of struggle between France and Algeria, caused by the recognition of Emmanuel Macron of Moroccan sovereignty in the Western Sahara, where Algiers supports an independence movement.
According to his support committee, the French naturalized writer last year is caught in these diplomatic tensions. “It is because the relations between Paris and Algiers are bad that Boalem Sansal has been arrested in an arbitrary way,” says Arnaud Benedetti, who believes that some Algerian dignitaries want to use the writer as a “currency” in negotiations.
The writer suffering from a “serious affection”
Boalem Sansal, 75, alternates since her arrest remains between prison and hospital, where she is treated for a “serious affection” according to his lawyer. Algerian authorities reject any consular visit.
“The latest information that I have on my willing date of last weekend and told me that I was again in prison,” says Arnaud Beedetti.
Apart from the Book Fair, Emmanuel Macron had recalled that the liberation of Boalem Sansal was his “most burning desire.” “I dare to believe, given his state of health and his situation, to a gesture of humanity by the Algerian authorities,” added Jean-Noël Barot on Tuesday.
Source: BFM TV
