Novelist Boualem Sansal, detained in Algeria, risks life imprisonment or even the death penalty, according to “Le Monde”

The writer Boualem Sansal is placed in detention. The situation of the Franco-Algerian author remained unclear for several days, since his arrest on Saturday November 16. Supposed to be heard by the Algiers anti-terrorist prosecution this Monday, November 25, he finally had to wait until Tuesday to learn his fate.

According to a “ Algerian judicial source » interviewed by the Worldthe author is accused of “undermining the integrity of the national territory”, an accusation linked to acts of terrorism. Boualem Sansal therefore risks life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. “ No capital executions have taken place since 1993 »however, reminds us of everyday life.

The novelist, who had gone to Algiers in confidence, is today placed in detention under article 87 bis of the Algerian Penal Code which punishes all attacks on state securityconfirmed his lawyer, François Zimeray, in a press release. The deprivation of liberty of a writer because of his writings is a serious act. »

An arrest at Algiers airport

The novelist and essayist was arrested, then imprisoned by the Algerian regime upon his arrival in the country, revealed the weekly magazine Marianne. Several sources subsequently confirmed to Monde that he was allegedly arrested by elements of the Algerian General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI). The Algerian government agency, Algérie Presse Service (APS), confirmed on Friday, November 22, that the arrest took place at Algiers airport.

“Whatever the wounds invoked and the sensitivities offended, they are inseparable from the very idea of ​​freedom, dearly won in Algeriaadds Maître François Zimeray, mandated by the Gallimard publishing house to ensure the defense of Boualem Sansal. There is a clear disproportion here, the extent of which the authors have probably not appreciated. »

This arrest is worrying due to its political nature. The author, aged 75, is a figure critical of Algerian power. The author of the novel 2084: the end of the worldwho obtained French nationality, continued to travel regularly to his country. And this, despite the censorship of his works. “If there must be an investigation, this in no way justifies the extension of the detention of Boualem Sansal”castigates François Zimeray.

“State services [français] are fully mobilized to monitor the situation of our compatriot and enable him to benefit from the consular protection provided for by law”said the Minister Delegate in charge of French people abroad, Sophie Primas. Questioned in the National Assembly this Tuesday, November 26, she called for “discretion” on the subject. According to her, French diplomacy began looking for a way out for the writer.