Algerian lawmakers have expressed strong disapproval of a recent resolution passed by the European Parliament criticizing the arrest of French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal. The resolution, which condemned the arrest of Sansal under an anti-terrorism statute, was met with backlash from both chambers of the Algerian parliament.
The lawmakers signed a joint statement rebuking the European Parliament's resolution, accusing it of containing 'misleading allegations' aimed at launching a 'blatant attack against Algeria.' The resolution also mentioned other imprisoned writers, including journalist Abdelwakil Blamm and poet Mohamed Tadjadit.
Since his arrest on November 16, Sansal's case has garnered attention from European writers, artists, and politicians, particularly those on the French right who sympathize with his criticism of Islam. Rights groups have raised concerns that the anti-terrorism statute used to charge Sansal is often employed by Algeria to target activists and dissidents and suppress criticism of the government.
Algerian lawmakers have accused the European Parliament of political interference and questioned the true motivations behind the resolution, suggesting that it may be driven by a desire to tarnish Algeria's image rather than genuine concern for Sansal's well-being.
This latest dispute between Algeria and the European Parliament reflects broader tensions between former colonizers and their former colonies, with some nations viewing external criticism as paternalistic. Similar clashes have occurred in the past, such as when Moroccan lawmakers criticized a European Parliament resolution calling for press freedoms and fair trials for imprisoned journalists.
The ongoing rift between Algeria and France has further strained relations, with disagreements over immigration, repatriation, the Western Sahara dispute, and the legacy of French nuclear testing in Algeria's Sahara Desert. The Algerian parliament recently passed a resolution addressing the historical issue of French nuclear testing in the region.
