French Media Demand Release of Journalist Imprisoned in Algeria Ahead of Appeal
A coalition of French media organizations is urgently calling for the release of journalist Christophe Gleizes, currently imprisoned in algeria on charges they deem unfounded, as his appeal hearing approaches on December 3rd.
Numerous French media outlets issued a joint statement on Wednesday, November 26th, asserting that Gleizes “has committed no crime.” The plea comes as tensions rise between France adn Algeria, and as concerns grow over the suppression of journalistic freedom.
The 36-year-old Gleizes, a contributor to magazines So Foot and Society, was sentenced in late June to seven years in prison on charges including “apology of terrorism.” The initial conviction stemmed from his alleged contact wiht a leader of the Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK) football club, who is also a figure within the Mouvement pour l’autodétermination de la Kabylie (MAK), an institution designated as terrorist by Algerian authorities in 2021.
“We hope he can return to his loved ones and resume his work,” the media organizations stated in a widely circulated tribune, signed by nine groups including the Apig (representing daily newspapers), the SEPM (magazines), and Reporters Without Borders.
the organizations forcefully argue that a journalist’s engagement with a sports official does not equate to complicity.”A reporter who interviews a sports leader is not an accomplice to his positions: he is doing his job,” they emphasized.They further cautioned that “the relations between France and Algeria are going through a difficult period,” but that “diplomatic tensions must never result in imprisonment, especially of journalists.” the groups underscored that “the freedom of the press cannot be taken hostage.”
“We call for respect for the right to inform, regardless of political contexts, and for judicial proceedings to guarantee a fair and impartial examination of the facts,” they insisted.
The call for Gleizes’ release follows a recent positive development in Franco-algerian relations: the pardon granted to Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal on November 12th. Reporters Without Borders hailed this as “an act of humanity that initiates a calming of Franco-Algerian relations” and expressed hope it would be followed by Gleizes’ libe
Why was Christophe Gleizes imprisoned? Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist, was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria on charges of “apology of terrorism.” This conviction stemmed from his contact with a leader of the JSK football club, who is also associated with the MAK, a group algeria designates as terrorist.
Who is involved? The key players include christophe Gleizes,the imprisoned journalist; Algerian authorities who brought the charges; and a coalition of French media organizations – including Apig,SEPM,and Reporters Without Borders – advocating for his release. Boualem Sansal’s recent pardon also plays a role in the context of Franco-Algerian relations.
What is happening now? Gleizes is awaiting his appeal hearing on December 3rd. French media organizations are actively campaigning for his release, arguing the charges are unfounded and that his journalistic work should not be criminalized. They are also highlighting the precarious state of press freedom in Algeria and the potential for political tensions to impact the safety of journalists.
How did it end? As of November 27, 2025, the case is ongoing. Gleizes remains imprisoned, awaiting the outcome of his appeal. While the pardon of Boualem Sansal offers a glimmer of hope,the ultimate resolution of Gleizes’ case remains uncertain.The media organizations are appealing for an equitable legal
