Macron Pledges Diplomatic Efforts to Free French Journalist Christophe Gleizes from Algerian Prison

French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly expressed deep concern over the recent sentencing of French journalist Christophe Gleizes to seven years in prison by an Algerian appeals court. Gleizes was convicted on charges of "apology of terrorism" and has been detained in Algeria since June. The case has sparked significant alarm in France regarding freedom of expression and press rights under Algeria's judiciary.

Macron assured on December 4 that France will intensify its diplomatic actions to secure Gleizes' release and ensure his swift return to France. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reinforced this commitment, emphasizing that Gleizes' liberation remains a central issue in ongoing negotiations between France and Algeria. Gleizes now faces an eight-day window to decide on appealing to the Supreme Court or requesting a presidential pardon.

The journalist's lawyer, Emmanuel Daoud, sharply criticized the trial, describing it as a "theater of shadows" and a "denial of justice and dignity." He confirmed that Gleizes remains determined to continue his fight for freedom. This development follows the recent release of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was sentenced to five years but is currently residing in the French embassy in Berlin after recovering from a hospital stay.

The Gleizes case is further straining French-Algerian relations while highlighting broader tensions over press freedom and judicial practices in Algeria. French Prime Minister François Bayrou has voiced hope for a presidential pardon in a similar context involving Sansal, illustrating France's persistent diplomatic efforts in such cases.

President Macron’s intervention underscores the seriousness with which the French government is addressing what it sees as an unjust imprisonment of a French citizen abroad, emphasizing continuous dialogue with Algerian authorities to resolve the matter promptly.