Supporters of Boualem Sansal gathered at the Arab World Institute on February 18 to advocate for his release from imprisonment in Algeria, where he has been held since mid-November. Concerns about his health were raised, as he suffers from cancer and is currently receiving treatment. Prominent figures, including Jack Lang and Antoine Gallimard, expressed solidarity, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression and calling on President Macron to intervene diplomatically for Sansal’s release.
Support for Boualem Sansal at the Arab World Institute
On Tuesday, February 18, the name of Boualem Sansal illuminated the facade of the Arab World Institute as his supporters convened to demonstrate their commitment to defending the writer. Boualem, who has been imprisoned in Algeria since mid-November, inspired passionate declarations such as, “I am Sansal. We are Sansal. You are Sansal,” from Jack Lang, the director of the cultural institution. During this gathering, Antoine Gallimard, the author’s publisher, expressed concern, stating, “the latest news was not excellent,” highlighting the distressing uncertainty surrounding his detention.
Concerns for His Health and Well-being
Boualem Sansal’s lawyer, Me François Zimeray, voiced grave concerns regarding the author’s health: “He is an elderly man, sick, weakened by this situation, deprived of his freedom.” Currently, Boualem is receiving treatment for a serious illness in the prison wing of Mustapha Hospital in Algiers. Zimeray confirmed that his client is battling cancer, a condition that affects many men of his age. Boualem, born in 1949 according to his claims, is actually 80 years old, as stated by his publisher last December.
Boualem Sansal, with a Moroccan father and Algerian mother, was arrested for allegedly compromising state security. A month later, after his request for release was denied, he was admitted to a medical unit. He faces prosecution under Article 87 bis of the Penal Code, which criminalizes acts seen as threats to state security. The Algerian government has reportedly reacted unfavorably to his comments made in the French media, particularly concerning historical territorial disputes with Morocco.
At the event, writer François Busnel emphasized, “This evening is for Boualem; it is not against Algeria. We love this country, we love the Algerian people. And when you love, you say things, right?” This sentiment was echoed by many, including notable literary figures like Roberto Saviano, Ian McEwan, and Jon Kalman Stefansson, who showed their solidarity with Sansal’s plight.
Jack Lang highlighted the importance of freedom, stating, “This is a meeting of writers, supporting a writer, for his return to freedom.” The gathering was a heartfelt call to action, with attendees advocating for Boualem’s release from imprisonment. Franco-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud urged everyone not to forget him in Algerian prisons, while journalist Eric Fottorino recalled Boualem’s poignant reflection on democracy in Algeria.
In a column published by “Le Figaro,” the support committee for Sansal called on President Emmanuel Macron to leverage diplomatic channels to secure his release, suggesting a reassessment of the visa agreements between France and Algeria established in 1968.