In a recent press release published by the French Academy, the institution expressed its solidarity in Boualem Sansal, the Franco-Algerian writer arrested in Algeria. Declaring: “ All members of our academy look forward to seeing this writer, both from France and Algeria, get back to life as quickly as possible which, until now, was his, inhabited by an obstinate desire to write and not to suffer ».
Furthermore, Jean-Christophe Rufin, novelist, diplomat and one of the “Immortals” of the French Academy, proposed using the exceptional “presentation” procedure. To open an urgent election and allocate one of the vacant seats to Boualem Sansal. However, the institution did not vote in favor of the latter.
After unanimous support, the Academy says “NO” to the election of Boualem Sansal
The approach of Jean-Christophe Rufin is perceived by many figures of international literature, including Nobel Prize winners and the president of the Académie Goncourt. As a symbolic act to support Boualem Sansal, described as “ a model of courage and commitment ».
The leaders of the French Academy have also called for its liberation « without delay ». In addition, they applauded the initiative of Rufin and the winners of the Grand Prix du roman.
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However, although the French Academy showed its concern for Sansal. And emphasized that it is a candidate worthy of sitting under the Dome among the Immortals. She preferred not to go so far as to formalize her candidacy through the “presentation” procedure. Thus refusing Rufin's proposal. The latter, disappointed, said: “ This failure would have anchored the Academy in one of the great struggles of our time. Wherever it is, that for freedom of expression, increasingly threatened by censorship, repression, obscurantism ».
Furthermore, let us recall that the procedure proposed by Rufin had been used in the past. For different personalities such as former Presidents of the Republic or Nobel Prize winners.
The French Academy dismisses Boualem Sansal and pays tribute to him
Indeed, last Thursday, November 28, 2024, an exceptional session was organized at the French Academy to discuss the case of the writer Boualem Sansal. During this exchange, theacademicians expressed their fears as for the “ already tense relations between France and Algeria “. Fearing that this approach will further complicate the situation, or that it will be perceived as a provocation towards the Algerian authorities.
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That said, despite the unanimity on the principle of supporting Boualem Sansal. The proposal to elect him to a vacant chair was rejected by the majority of academicians present (13 votes to 6).
On the other hand, the French Academy has planned to make a solemn tribute to Boualem Sansal this December 12. During the awards ceremony.
