The French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, detained in Algeria “more than a week ago” in dark conditions, “I will see a prosecutor” During the day, his lawyer, François Zimeray, who was commissioned by Editions Gallimard to participate in his defense, announced on Monday, November 25.
“What I know today, well what I think I know from the information they send me, is that it will be presented to the prosecutor’s office this afternoon.”M explained.my François Zimeray on RTL. “Today you will see a prosecutor”added the lawyer, specifying however that he did not “no specific news” about the state or conditions of detention of the 75-year-old writer, in the fight against religious fundamentalism and authoritarianism.
Tense diplomatic context between France and Algeria
“Until now he has not had access to a defense. The president of Algiers, with whom I spoke yesterday, should appoint a lawyer for him.”continued M.my Zimeray, who esteems “It is very important that he be defended by an Algerian lawyer and, if possible, by a lawyer of his choice”and ask for one “fair trial”. As for whether he will attend: “I don’t know and I don’t even know if it’s necessary.”he responded. first you must “be very attentive to other lawyers who will join (…) regarding respect for the fundamental principles of law, such as those that Algeria has subscribed to in the international commitments ratified by this country”the lawyer insisted.
When asked what he expects from French politicians and the government, the lawyer said it was necessary “avoid doing everything possible at this stage”. “Some wanted to make Boualem Sansal, and this arrest, another reason for irritation in Franco-Algerian relations. And the role of your defense today is obviously not to do anything that goes in that direction.M insisted.my Zimeray. “It is not just a Franco-Algerian dimension, but it must challenge intellectuals from all over the world” AND “This must also be an Algerian issue, treated according to Algerian legislation, and that challenges Algerian society, which deserves better than that”argument.
On Friday, the Algerian government news agency APS confirmed “the arrest” of the writer, without specifying the date. According to several media, Boualem Sansal was detained on November 16 at the Algiers airport, coming from France. These events occur in a tense diplomatic context between France and Algeria, since Paris’ support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the disputed territory of Western Sahara at the end of July.
