Algiers – President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has received a formal request from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier seeking clemency for Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, currently imprisoned, according to a statement released by the Presidency on Monday.
The request, delivered directly to President Tebboune, appeals for a humanitarian gesture on behalf of Sansal, who has been incarcerated for the past year. The statement from the Presidency did not specify the exact nature of the charges against Sansal, nor did it detail the potential length of his sentence.
Boualem Sansal is a well-known and often controversial figure in Algerian literature. His works frequently explore themes of political corruption, religious extremism, and societal stagnation. He has garnered both critical acclaim and considerable criticism for his outspoken views. Several of his novels have been translated into multiple languages, achieving international recognition.
The German President’s intervention highlights the international attention surrounding Sansal’s case and the concerns regarding freedom of expression in Algeria. While the Presidency’s statement acknowledges the request, it remains unclear what action, if any, President Tebboune will take. The decision now rests with the Algerian head of state.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available. The case has already sparked considerable debate within Algeria, with many calling for Sansal’s release, while others maintain that the law must take its course. The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining the future of this prominent writer.
