theThe prosecution section of the Court of Appeal of Algiers rejected, on Wednesday 11 December, the request for release made by the lawyers of the French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, three weeks after his arrest, as reported to us by me François Zimeray, his lawyer in France.
Subjected to an arrest warrant on November 26, after several days of interrogation and police custody, Boualem Sansal, 80, was first incarcerated in the penitentiary section of the moustapha hospital in Algiers, before being transferred to the Koléa prison, in 35 km from the Algerian border. capital.
An “obstacle to the exercise of the rights of the defence”
The 1962 agreements allow, in theory, a French lawyer to intervene together with his Algerian colleagues in a procedure opened in Algeria, and vice versa. However,on Wednesday François Zimeray did not obtain a visa to plead before the prosecution chamber,as he had expected.Blocked in France, Zimeray denounced at the beginning of the week “an obstacle to the exercise of the rights of the defence, without which there is no fair trial”.
The lawyer also regrets that the defence was not informed of the author’s transfer 2084, the end of the world (Gallimard) in another place of detention. “I am concerned about my client’s health and the fairness of a procedure that seems very opaque,” Zimeray lamented Monday.
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the president of the Paris Bar Association, Pierre Hofman, expressed his support by stating, in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), that “the rights of the defense do not vary”.
Kamel Daoud,columnist for Point and the 2024 Goncourt Prize for his novel Hours (Gallimard),never stops defending his colleague and friend,inviting him to continue the mobilization.
How does international scrutiny impact human rights cases like that of Boualem Sansal?
Interview with Legal Expert on the Boualem Sansal Case: A fight for Justice
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. we want to discuss the recent arrest of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and the implications surrounding his case. Can you briefly summarize what led to his arrest?
Expert: Certainly. Boualem sansal was arrested on November 26 following a series of interrogations by Algerian authorities. He has as been transferred from a hospital penitentiary to Koléa prison, located about 35 kilometers from Algiers. His arrest has raised serious concerns about the rights of the defense in Algeria, especially given the high-profile nature of his work and his vocal stance on political issues.
Editor: The request for release made by his lawyers was rejected. What are the broader implications of this decision for legal rights in Algeria?
Expert: The rejection of the release request showcases the challenges facing defendants in Algeria,notably when it comes to due process. François zimeray, Sansal’s lawyer in France, expressed that this situation presents “an obstacle to the exercise of the rights of the defense.” This not only raises questions about the fairness of Sansal’s trial but also highlights systemic issues within the Algerian judicial system that can affect many individuals facing legal challenges.
Editor: There seems to be ongoing international scrutiny regarding this case. Why is this crucial for both Algerian and global audiences?
Expert: International attention is crucial for several reasons. First, it puts pressure on the Algerian government to adhere to human rights standards and comply with international legal obligations. Second, it raises awareness of how freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial are ofen compromised. Writers and intellectuals across the globe are rallying support for Sansal, which can lead to broader discussions about censorship, artistic freedom, and the role of state power in regulating dissent.
Editor: There was a lack of dialog regarding Sansal’s transfer to another place of detention. Why is clarity within the legal process so vital?
Expert: Transparency is fundamental in any legal process, as it directly impacts the rights of the accused. In Sansal’s case,the lack of notification to his defense team about his transfer raises concerns about his health and overall legal portrayal. Ensuring that legal representatives have comprehensive and timely facts is essential for maintaining a fair trial. Without transparency, the judiciary can appear arbitrary, and defendants may struggle to advocate effectively for their rights.
Editor: In light of these events, what practical advice can you provide to readers who want to support Boualem Sansal and advocate for justice in similar cases?
Expert: Readers can take several important steps. Firstly, they can raise awareness by sharing information on social media platforms to keep the conversation alive. Supporting organizations that advocate for human rights and legal reform, both in algeria and internationally, is also essential. Writng to representatives to urge them to address human rights violations in Algeria, or even participating in peaceful protests, can amplify calls for justice. simply educating oneself and others about the importance of free expression and legal rights can foster stronger communities committed to advocating for change.
Editor: thank you for sharing your insights. The advocacy for Boualem Sansal underscores the vital conversation around artistic freedom, legal rights, and the need for transparency in judicial processes.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue discussing these issues to support not only Boualem Sansal but also all individuals facing similar challenges across the globe.
