Boualem Sansal Plans Legal Action Against Algerian President Tebboune

The Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has announced his intention to take legal action against Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, following his pardon last November after spending nearly a year in prison.

A Strong Statement in Paris

Invited to a roundtable discussion at the National Assembly in Paris during Political Book Day, Boualem Sansal clearly stated, "I will sue Mr. Tebboune… because he is the one who condemned me."

A Disputed Conviction

The 81-year-old author condemned his conviction as unjust, asserting that he was accused of serious offenses such as “terrorism,” “espionage,” and “endangering state security.” Originally sentenced to five years in prison, he was released after nearly a year of detention.

Legal Proceedings in Preparation

According to Boualem Sansal, legal proceedings are already underway, with his lawyer preparing a case to bring before international courts against Abdelmadjid Tebboune. However, he specified that he is waiting for "the right moment" to officially initiate this action.

Critique of the Trial

Sansal also denounced the lack of a fair trial, claiming he was denied fundamental guarantees, most notably the presence of international observers.

A Notable Publisher Change

Recently, Boualem Sansal left Gallimard to join Grasset, a subsidiary of the Hachette Livre group. This decision followed a disagreement over the management of his detention, which he found incompatible with his "line of resistance."

A Politically Charged Affair

This announcement could reignite tensions surrounding freedom of expression in Algeria and reopen the debate on the conditions of detention and trial faced by political opponents.