Call for Clemency Intensifies for French Journalist Christophe Gleizes Imprisoned in Algeria

Christophe Gleizes, a 36-year-old French sports journalist, remains imprisoned in Algeria after receiving a seven-year sentence for "apology of terrorism." The conviction was upheld by the Tizi-Ouzou Court of Appeal on December 3, 2025, accusing Gleizes of alleged contacts with the separatist movement MAK, which Algeria classifies as terrorist. Gleizes was arrested on May 28, 2024, while researching an article on the Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie football club.

In a heartfelt plea, Gleizes' mother, Sylvie Godard, has formally requested a presidential pardon from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. She emphasized that her son's journalistic work did not contain any hostile statements against Algeria or its people and expressed deep shock at the harsh sentence.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the verdict as "excessive" and "unjust," affirming his commitment to securing a favorable outcome for Gleizes. This sentiment is echoed by Reporters Without Borders, which called for Gleizes' immediate release, describing the case as a "serious injustice."

Meanwhile, Gleizes' legal team has filed a cassation appeal, hoping to obtain a retrial or a potential release from Algeria's Supreme Court. This case spotlights not only the fragile conditions for journalists in Algeria but also reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria, even as there are gestures toward reconciliation, such as the release of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal.

Gleizes remains the only French journalist currently detained abroad, underscoring the international concern surrounding his situation.