Across the globe, voices are rising in solidarity for Boualem Sansal, the French-Algerian writer who has recently found himself entangled in the harsh grip of Algeria's repressive political climate. Politicians, literary figures, and human rights activists are making fervent pleas for his immediate release, reflecting broader concerns about freedom of expression and human rights under the current Algerian regime.
Sansal, 75, has been absent from communication since his return to Algeria from France earlier this month. The situation took a dire turn when he was reportedly arrested at Algiers airport on November 16, with news of his detention only surfacing days later on November 22. His arrest came with allegations of terrorism, which many critics decry as politically motivated, aimed at silencing his outspoken critiques of the Algerian government and his controversial views on Islamism.
Josep Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, spotlighted the plight of Sansal during his recent address to the EU Parliament. Through Commissioner Helena Dalli, representing him, Borrell insisted on the necessity for Sansal's release, stating, “If this accusation were based exclusively on opinions expressed publicly by Boualem Sansal, it would represent a clear attack against freedom of expression.” He urged the Algerian judicial authorities to reconsider the charges against Sansal, emphasizing the need to respect the rule of law and human rights principles.
The European Parliament has echoed these sentiments, advocating for Sansal's immediate and unconditional release. A significant concern is the broader repression of free speech and creative expression within Algeria, which rights groups describe as increasingly authoritarian. Borrell reminded the Algerian authorities of their commitments to universal human rights under the UN Human Rights Council, of which Algeria is currently a member.
France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, voiced his discontent, labeling Sansal’s detention as unacceptable. His statement highlighted the international faith vested in the values upheld by Boualem Sansal and noted the significance of both French and Algerian heritage reflected through Sansal’s work. Barrot and other supporters argue for the importance of safeguarding writers and journalists from arbitrary detention, especially when their works critique the political establishment.
Sansal has long been regarded as a provocative figure within Algeria, often facing backlash for his frank assessments of the political climate, Islam’s role, and historical accounts of the civil war ravaging Algeria in the 1990s. Even as his novels faced bans, Sansal's work gained considerable recognition and support beyond Algeria, appealing to diverse political groups within France — from right-wing politicians to the current president, Emmanuel Macron, who attended his naturalization ceremony recently.
Over the years, Sansal has received threats from Islamist extremists due to his criticisms of religious extremism. Yet, his recent arrest marks the first time he has been detained under such charges, raising alarm bells among international observers. Kamel Daoud, another well-known French-Algerian author, lamented the situation, stating, “This tragic news reflects an alarming reality in Algeria, where freedom of expression is no more than a memory.” Daoud’s stance reinforces concerns about the chilling effect this situation may have on writers and artists within the country, especially amid whispers of renewed crackdowns.
Human rights organizations like Amnesty International have condemned what they describe as Algeria's “brutal crackdown on human rights,” pointing out numerous instances where the state has disrupted cultural events, including book fairs and literary festivals. This week, the European Parliament deliberated earlier reports of the country’s deterioration of civil liberties, spotlighting the case of Sansal as part of a growing list of political prisoners facing repression.
Despite Sansal’s pro-Israel stance and his bold critiques likening political Islam to totalitarianism—a position highlighted distinctly within works like The Oath of the Barbarians and 2084: The End of the World—his literary contributions remain influential. He is lauded by many for the courage displayed through his writing, advocating thoughts reserved for the margins of society so often under scrutiny and threat. His arrest could indicate broader intentions by the regime to silence dissenting voices, raising questions about the existing semblance of democracy and freedom of speech within Algeria.
Sansal’s supporters, many of whom emerged on digital platforms, reiterate the urgent need for his release as they rally against the oppressive climate targeting creative minds. The sensing is clear; if the regime can detain Sansal—a respected voice with international backing—what fate awaits others who dare to critique the powers holding Algeria hostage?
With each passing day, calls for accountability and action resonate louder, leading many to wonder if the Algeria of the future can afford to cage its intellectuals without consequence. Observers both from within the country and across international borders continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for justice and freedom for Boualem Sansal and countless others who find themselves on the wrong side of oppressive regimes.
