Algerian-French Writer Boualem Sansal Supports Israel After Prison Release, Plans Visit

Boualem Sansal, the renowned Algerian-French author, spoke exclusively to Israeli media months after his release from an Algerian prison. Arrested in November 2024 at Algiers airport upon returning from France, Sansal was sentenced to five years for allegedly harming state security due to his public support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara and France's recognition of it. Now 67 and in fragile health, Sansal described his prison experience as harrowing and said he was released at the last moment due to his weakened condition.

Sansal criticized Algeria's dictatorship and brutal prison system, contrasting the current regime under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune with the previous leadership of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who had hesitated to imprison him after his 2012 visit to Israel. He attributed his recent imprisonment to his outspoken support for Israel, which the Algerian regime found intolerable, fearing he might inspire others. Sansal emphasized his refusal to self-censor despite threats, job loss, and censorship over the years.

He also condemned the October 7 massacre, calling it one of history's great atrocities and demanding accountability for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, while accusing Algeria of supporting these groups indirectly. Sansal expressed solidarity with Israel and encouraged Israelis to remain courageous. He revealed his intention to visit Israel soon and insisted on a retrial in Algeria with international observers, threatening to sue President Tebboune at an international court if denied a fair trial.

Sansal currently resides in France after receiving a presidential pardon from Tebboune under international pressure from Germany and France. He remains committed to freedom of expression and hopes to confront Algeria's regime legally and publicly.