Prosecutor Seeks 10-Year Sentence for Boualem Sansal in Algeria

Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer, faces a 10-year prison sentence in Algeria for allegedly attacking the country's territorial integrity, with the verdict expected on March 27. His lawyer, François Zimeray, argues that the prosecution is politically motivated, asserting that it reflects the government's influence rather than an independent judicial process. Sansal's arrest in November followed comments he made in France regarding Algeria's colonial history, which has sparked international condemnation and calls for his release, including from French President Emmanuel Macron. The case has intensified tensions between Algeria and France, particularly after Macron's recognition of a Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Rights activists have criticized the trial as retaliatory and lacking in due process, highlighting that Sansal was denied proper legal representation. The charges against him include damage to national unity and threats to national security due to his public statements.