Boualem Sansal Detained in Algeria Under Terrorism Charges

Boualem Sansal, a 75-year-old Franco-Algerian writer, has been detained in Algeria on charges of undermining state security, which could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. His arrest follows remarks made about the sensitive Algeria-Morocco border issue, which have drawn the ire of the Algerian government, known for its repression of dissenting voices. International literary figures, including Salman Rushdie and Orhan Pamuk, have rallied for his release, citing Algeria's deteriorating climate for freedom of expression. Sansal's lawyer has condemned the detention, stating it reflects a disproportionate response to his writings. The arrest occurs amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France, exacerbated by France's support of Moroccan autonomy in Western Sahara. Critics view the arrest as a manifestation of the Algerian regime's intolerance towards free thinkers and dissenting opinions.