Sports Reporter Imprisoned under Terrorism Allegations
In a surprising turn of events, Christophe Gleizes, an independent French sports journalist, has been sentenced to seven years in prison by a court in Algeria. The journalist, who was in the country last year to cover stories related to Algeria's soccer scene, was arrested shortly after entering the country and accused of "apology for terrorism" and harboring "harmful propaganda" against Algeria's national interest.
The diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria has periodically escalated, with the latest flash point being Christophe Gleizes's arrest and subsequent ordeal. Tensions between the two countries have reached a boil last year, with French president Emmanuel Macron's decision to effectively recognize Morocco's claim to Western Sahara being a main trigger.
The world of soccer is highly political, as readers of yesterday's newsletter will have noticed. Christophe Gleizes, known for taking an engaged approach to his work, understands that soccer can say a lot about society. In 2018, he copublished a book making the case that young African players seeking stardom overseas are vulnerable to a form of "modern slavery" and preyed upon by shady fixers.
The arrest and sentencing of Christophe Gleizes has sparked outrage among his family and supporters. His mother and stepfather expressed their shock at the treatment he received, stating that they had hoped their discretion was making a difference. Thibaut Bruttin, the director general of Reporters Without Borders, said that the verdict demonstrated the extent to which everything is political in Algeria nowadays.
The dispute has also played out in the arenas of free expression and new media. Algeria reacted with fury, calling the arrest an attempt to torpedo improving relations and moving to expel a dozen French diplomats. However, a court rejected this request, but upheld Sansal's existing punishment. French officials called on Algeria to take the opportunity of an expected mass pardon of prisoners to release Sansal, but he wasn't included.
This is the harshest punishment received by a French journalist in a decade, according to Reporters Without Borders. The diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria has cast a shadow over the improving relations between the two countries. France and Algeria have experienced a move toward rapprochement, but this was followed by France detaining an Algerian consular official over his alleged complicity in a 2024 kidnapping plot targeting an Algerian YouTuber based in France.
Christophe Gleizes's case has also highlighted the importance of free expression and the role of journalists in shedding light on important issues. He has been active in collaboration with the German Journalists' Union (DJV) and is known for approaching assignments without political preconceptions.
The situation remains fluid, and it remains to be seen how the crisis will be resolved. In the meantime, Christophe Gleizes continues to be held in an Algerian prison, far from his family and the world of soccer that he loves.
