Boualem Sansal Announces Legal Action Against Tebboune
Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has announced his intention to take legal action against Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, following his pardon last November after serving nearly a year in prison.
A Strong Statement in Paris
Invited to a round table 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 Contested Condemnation
The 81-year-old writer denounced a sentence he deems unjust, claiming he was accused of serious offenses such as “terrorism,” “espionage,” and “endangering state security.”
He was sentenced to five years in prison but was eventually released after nearly a year of detention.
Legal Proceedings Underway
According to Boualem Sansal, legal proceedings are already in preparation, with his lawyer working on a case to bring before international courts against Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
However, he mentioned that he is waiting for “the right moment” to officially launch this action.
Critique of the Trial
The author also condemned the lack of a fair trial, arguing that he did not receive basic guarantees, particularly the presence of international observers.
A Noteworthy Publisher Change
Recently, Boualem Sansal left Gallimard to join Grasset, a subsidiary of Hachette Livre.
This decision follows a disagreement over the handling of his detention, which he viewed as incompatible with his “line of resistance.”
A Politically Charged Issue
This announcement could reignite tensions around freedom of expression in Algeria, and rekindle the debate over the conditions of detention and trial for dissenters.
