Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was reportedly arrested at Algiers airport on November 16.
According to his lawyer mandated by Gallimard Editions, the 75-year-old author should be presented this Monday to a prosecutor.
He is particularly accused of comments on the territorial dispute between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara.
The affair reflects the current tensions between France and Algeria. More than a week after his arrest under still unclear conditions, the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal should be presented this Monday to a prosecutor. “What I know today, well what I think I know based on the information sent to me, is that he will be presented to the public prosecutor this afternoon“, indicated on RTL his lawyer Me François Zimeray, mandated by Gallimard editions.
According to several media, Boualem Sansal, 75, was arrested upon his arrival at his Algiers airport on November 16. His family has not heard from him since, his disappearance was revealed last Thursday by The Point. The next day, the Algerian government press agency confirmed his arrest, without specifying the date.
His lawyer calls for “a fair trial”
Until now, the writer has not had access to a defense. “A lawyer should be appointed to him by the president of Algiers with whom I spoke yesterday“, specifies Me Zimeray, estimating “very important that he be defended by an Algerian lawyer, and if possible a lawyer of his choice”, and calling for a “fair trial“.
Will Mr. Zimeray go there? “I don’t know and I don’t even know if it’s necessary“, he explains. “You must first be very vigilant with the other lawyers who will join (on file – editor’s note) regarding respect for the fundamental principles of law, such as Algeria has subscribed to in the international commitments ratified by this country“.
According to Le Monde, Boualem Sansal would be criticized for recent remarks made in the renowned far-right media Frontière which would take up the Moroccan position according to which the territory of the country would have been truncated under French colonization for the benefit of Algeria. According to the daily, it would be a “red line” for Algiers.
This affair comes in a tense diplomatic context after Paris’ support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the disputed territory of Western Sahara, unveiled at the end of July. De facto controlled mainly by Morocco, this former Spanish colony is claimed by the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, who are demanding a self-determination referendum and are supported by Algiers.
He faces life imprisonment
According to Le Figaro, Boualem Sansal could be prosecuted under article 87 bis of the Penal Code. Which qualifies as “terrorist or subversive“any infringing act”state security, territorial integrity, stability or normal functioning of institutions“. If he is found guilty, the maximum penalty incurred is the death penalty. Due to the moratorium practiced by Algeria, it is systematically commuted to life imprisonment.
Since the announcement of his disappearance, many political figures have expressed their concern, starting with the head of state Emmanuel Macron. But also by numerous writers including Nobel Prize winners Annie Ernaux, Jean-Marie Le Clézio and Orhan Pamuk in a column published on Saturday by The Point.
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Asked about this mobilization. Me Zimeray calls for caution. “Some wanted to make Boualem Sansal, and this arrest, the occasion of another irritant in the Franco-Algerian relationship. And the role of his defense today is obviously not to do anything that goes in this direction“, he insists.
Former teacher, business manager and senior civil servant, Boualem Sansal made himself known in France with Le Serment des Barbares, his first novel published in 1999. Since then, his work has been characterized by an open criticism of the excesses of Algerian power and the rise of Islamism in Europe.
