### Tensions Rise as Algerian Court Upholds Writer Boualem Sansal's Sentence Amid Diplomatic Strain with France - Boualem Sansal, a Franco-Algerian writer, has been sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly undermining national unity, a decision upheld by an Algerian court on July 1, 2025. This ruling has exacerbated the already tense diplomatic relations between Algeria and France, as calls for clemency from French officials have intensified. The Algerian president's recent pardon measures are unlikely to include Sansal, as they specifically exclude individuals accused of plotting against the state [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2025/07/05/a-french-writer-and-a-journalist-are-likely-excluded-from-pardon-measures-granted-by-algerian-president_6743061_124.html]. ### Overview of the Situation and Key Developments 1. **Court Ruling**: An Algerian court upheld Sansal's five-year prison sentence on July 1, 2025, for charges related to undermining national unity, which has drawn international attention and criticism [https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2025-07-02-algerian-court-upholds-five-year-jail-term-for-writer-boualem-sansal]. 2. **Diplomatic Repercussions**: The case has strained relations between Algeria and France, with French officials advocating for Sansal's release, citing his age and health concerns [https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/algerian-court-upholds-writers-5-year-sentence-in-a-case-thats-strained-ties-with-france]. 3. **Pardon Measures**: Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's recent pardon measures are expected to exclude Sansal, as they do not apply to those accused of plotting against the state [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2025/07/05/a-french-writer-and-a-journalist-are-likely-excluded-from-pardon-measures-granted-by-algerian-president_6743061_124.html]. 4. **International Advocacy**: France's Interior Minister has publicly called for clemency for Sansal, coinciding with Algeria's independence day, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding the case [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/07/01/french-clemency-plea-after-writers-five-year-jail-term-in-algeria-upheld]. ### Supporting Evidence and Contextual Data - **Sentence Details**: Boualem Sansal was sentenced under Algeria's anti-terrorism laws, which have been criticized for stifling freedom of expression. His initial arrest occurred seven and a half months prior to the court's ruling [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/algerian-court-upholds-five-year-jail-term-for-french-algerian-writer]. - **Health Concerns**: French officials have raised concerns about Sansal's health, arguing that his age and condition warrant a reconsideration of his sentence [https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/algerian-court-upholds-writers-5-year-sentence-in-a-case-thats-strained-ties-with-france]. - **Public Reaction**: The case has sparked significant public discourse regarding freedom of expression in Algeria, with many viewing Sansal's sentence as a reflection of the government's stance on dissent [https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2025/07/222857/algerian-court-upholds-sansals-five-year-prison-sentence]. ### Conclusion and Implications - **Major Findings**: The upholding of Boualem Sansal's five-year prison sentence has significant implications for Algeria's international relations, particularly with France. The exclusion of Sansal from the recent pardon measures indicates a firm stance by the Algerian government against perceived threats to national unity. 1. **Diplomatic Strain**: The case continues to strain Algeria-France relations, with calls for clemency highlighting the political sensitivities involved. 2. **Freedom of Expression**: The ruling raises critical questions about freedom of expression in Algeria, as international observers express concern over the implications for writers and journalists. 3. **Future Developments**: The situation remains fluid, with potential for further diplomatic negotiations as France continues to advocate for Sansal's release [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2025/07/05/a-french-writer-and-a-journalist-are-likely-excluded-from-pardon-measures-granted-by-algerian-president_6743061_124.html].