Kamel Daoud, the Franco-Algerian writer and winner of the Goncourt Prize in 2024 for his novel Houris, is at the center of a diplomatic and literary storm after being targeted by two international arrest warrants issued by the Algerian justice system. The warrants, confirmed on May 6, 2025, by Agence Radio France, have raised significant concerns regarding freedom of expression and the treatment of intellectuals in Algeria.
The first warrant was transmitted through Interpol Algeria in March 2025, followed by a second warrant issued in early May. These legal actions coincide with the publication of Houris, a novel that narrates the harrowing experiences of a survivor from the Algerian civil war, a period marked by violence and political turmoil from 1992 to 2002. The book has been banned in Algeria since its release, and Daoud has faced a series of lawsuits related to its content.
According to Daoud's lawyer, Me Jacqueline Laffont, the motivations behind the arrest warrants are political. "The motivations of such Algerian warrants could only be political and are part of a series of procedures aimed at silencing a writer whose last novel discusses the massacres of the dark decade in Algeria," she stated. Laffont has announced plans to file a request with the Interpol file control commission to block the dissemination of these warrants, which she describes as "manifestly abusive."
Since the release of Houris, Daoud has been embroiled in various legal battles. Notably, he faces a complaint from Saâda Arbane, an Algerian woman who claims he appropriated her personal story for his novel without consent and in violation of medical confidentiality. Arbane has filed multiple lawsuits against Daoud, alleging invasion of privacy and defamation of victims of terrorism, asserting that the portrayal of her experiences in the book is a breach of her rights.
On May 7, 2025, Daoud is scheduled to appear in a Paris court for the first hearing regarding Arbane's complaint. This legal proceeding is expected to draw significant media attention, especially given the broader implications of the case for artistic freedom and the relationship between France and Algeria.
The tensions surrounding Daoud's situation echo the plight of another Franco-Algerian writer, Boualem Sansal, who has been incarcerated in Algeria since November 2024 for his critical views against the regime. Rachida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, expressed her regret over Algeria's actions against its writers during an interview on France Inter. "I regret that Algeria, a country rich in culture and literature, sends a signal that it attacks its writers," she said. Dati emphasized the need for a firm yet non-threatening response, highlighting the importance of cultural dialogue.
In addition to the arrest warrants, Daoud's novel has sparked a wave of complaints in Algeria, primarily related to its content that challenges the official narrative about the civil war. The Algerian government has taken a hard stance against any artistic expression that it perceives as damaging to the country's image or stability. This has led to accusations against Daoud of betrayal and violations of the controversial 2005 national reconciliation law, which prohibits public discourse that could tarnish the reputation of state institutions.
Daoud's legal troubles and the ongoing political dynamics between Algeria and France have led to a complex situation that is being closely monitored by both countries. The diplomatic relationship has been strained, particularly following France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, which has exacerbated tensions and led to reciprocal expulsions of diplomatic staff.
As the situation unfolds, the literary community and human rights advocates are rallying around Daoud, viewing his case as emblematic of the broader struggles faced by writers in oppressive regimes. The international community is also paying attention, as this incident could have implications for artistic freedom and the protection of intellectuals worldwide.
In the meantime, Kamel Daoud remains a prominent figure in contemporary literature, and his participation in upcoming literary events, such as the Comédie du livre on May 9, 2025, is highly anticipated. Despite the legal challenges he faces, Daoud continues to advocate for freedom of expression and the importance of storytelling as a means of confronting historical injustices.
As the first hearing approaches, many are left wondering how the Algerian government will react to the growing international scrutiny and whether this will lead to a change in its approach to dissenting voices within its borders. The outcome of Daoud's legal battles may not only affect his future but also set a precedent for other writers facing similar challenges in Algeria and beyond.
