Algeria Slams Macron’s Comments on Detained Writer

Algeria expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday of French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks regarding the detained Algerian-French author Boualem Sansal, calling them a "blatant interference" in the country’s internal affairs.

Macron had urged Algeria to release the 75-year-old writer, who holds dual nationality, claiming that the detention "damages Algeria’s reputation by denying a severely ill man access to treatment."

In an official statement shared on its X platform account, Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “deep astonishment” at Macron’s comments. The ministry described the remarks as “insulting, first and foremost, to whoever deemed it appropriate to make them in such a careless and dismissive manner.”

The ministry strongly rejected and condemned the statements, emphasizing that they represent "unacceptable interference in Algerian internal matters." Algeria further asserted that Macron’s claims about freedom of expression are unfounded, stating that the case pertains to “an attack on the country’s territorial integrity—a crime punishable under Algerian law.”

Sansal, author of the book "2084: The End of the World," was arrested on November 16 at Algiers International Airport. He faces charges under Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, which defines “terrorist or subversive acts” as actions targeting the country’s national security, territorial unity, or institutional stability.