French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal – who was arrested in mid-November in Algiers – has been placed under a detention order for alleged threats to state security, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Algerian justice officials and authorities have still not commented on the case.
The 80-year-old is being held under Article 87 of the Algerian penal code, which covers terrorism, threats and state security.
"If there must be an investigation, it in no way justifies extending the detention of Boualem Sansal," said his lawyer François Zimeray in a statement.
Describing the detention of an elderly writer as “a serious act”, he added: “Whatever injuries or sensitivities are invoked, they are inseparable from the very concept of freedom, which has been hard-won in Algeria.”
Sansal was taken into custody on 16 November at Algiers airport and has since been questioned by Algeria’s anti-terrorism prosecutor. The legal period of police custody was reportedly due to end on Wednesday.
'Revisionist delusions'
The charges against Sansal are linked to comments he made in October to French media, where he discussed historical ties between western Algeria and Morocco, including the city of Oran.
The remarks angered Algerian authorities, who interpreted them as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
The Algerian state news agency APS accused Sansal of “revisionist delusions” and claimed he questioned Algeria’s existence, independence and history.
Global outrage grows over Franco-Algerian writer's detention in Algeria
APS also alleged that “France is defending a negationist who questions the existence and sovereignty of Algeria”.
Sansal’s detention has sparked outcry in France, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot describing the charges as baseless.
“Nothing in Boualem Sansal’s activities justifies the accusations that have led to his imprisonment,” Barrot told FranceInfo.
“The detention of a French writer without grounds is simply unacceptable.”
Barrot said state services are fully mobilised in Algiers and Paris to monitor Sansal’s situation and allow him access to consular protection."
