Royal Secures Journalist Transfer,Urges Renewed France-Algeria Cooperation
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A former French presidential candidate has successfully advocated for the relocation of a French journalist imprisoned in Algeria,while simultaneously calling for a broader revitalization of diplomatic and economic ties between Paris and Algiers.
Ségolène Royal, president of the France-Algeria association, announced Friday she had “obtained” the transfer of journalist Christophe Gleizes from Tizi-Ouzou prison, located 100 kilometers east of Algiers, to a facility closer to the capital. Gleizes, serving a seven-year sentence for “apology of terrorism,” reportedly expressed gratitude for the visit and the move, which will ease family access.
Humanitarian Gesture Amidst Strained Relations
Royal, who ran for the French presidency in 2007, emphasized the limited access Gleizes had previously received, noting he had been visited only by his parents and the Franco-Algerian Cardinal of Algiers, Jean-Paul Vesco. she characterized the transfer as a “humanitarian gesture” by the Algerian authorities. During her visit, Royal found Gleizes to be “as serene as possible,” engaged in reading, studying Algeria, and maintaining physical fitness. She also stressed the importance of continued advocacy for gleizes in France, while respecting his desire to avoid excessive publicity.
Royal publicly voiced her support for the family’s request for a pardon during a meeting with Algerian President abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers.
Dispelling Macron Mission Speculation
Despite the high-profile nature of her visit, Royal firmly denied acting as an envoy for French President Emmanuel Macron.She clarified that her trip was undertaken in her capacity as president of the France-Algeria association, at the invitation of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
However, Royal acknowledged a perception in Algiers that her efforts represent a “last chance mission” to de-escalate tensions. She stated that authorizing her visit to Gleizes was “already a considerable signal,” given the current state of Franco-Algerian relations.”There are no more ambassadors,” she noted, adding that an algerian consular agent is currently incarcerated in France and a recent broadcast by France 2’s Complément d’enquête was viewed as “a serious insult to algeria and the Algerian president.”
Calls for Cooperation on Security and Economic Fronts
Beyond the Gleizes case, Royal advocated for increased cooperation between France and Algeria, particularly in the realm of security. She urged French Minister of the Interior Laurent Nuñez to reschedule his planned visit to Algiers and highlighted the need for intelligence sharing in the fight against terrorism.
Royal also underscored the urgency of reviving economic ties, warning that France risks being supplanted by countries like China, Russia, and Turkey in the region “before it is too late.” She further called for the restitution of cultural property looted during colonization as a key step toward rebuilding trust and fostering a more equitable partnership.
Why: Ségolène Royal intervened to secure better conditions for imprisoned French journalist Christophe Gleizes and to advocate for improved relations between France and Algeria.
Who: Key figures involved are Ségolène Royal (president of the France-Algeria association), Christophe Gleizes (the imprisoned journalist), Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Algerian President), Emmanuel Macron (French President), Laurent Nuñez (French Minister of the Interior
