Seven years in prison for a French journalist who investigated a football club

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Dangerous Precedent: Algeria’s War on Free Speech Targeting Journalists

The justice system in **Algeria** has taken a shocking turn, as a French journalist, Christophe Gleizes, is sentenced to a staggering seven years in prison for supposedly “extolling terrorism.” This decision echoes a disturbing trend where oppressive regimes silence those who dare to speak the truth.

Gleizes, a contributor to respected magazines like So Foot and Society, has spent years documenting the plight of African footballers, yet he finds himself trapped in an absurd legal nightmare all because he pursued an honest story about the Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK). In his pursuit of truth, he aimed to highlight the legacy of deceased footballer Albert Ebossé, an issue that clearly struck a nerve with the Algerian authorities.

Political Suppression Behind the Sentence

The Algerian government accuses Gleizes of interviewing key figures affiliated with movements pushing for the self-determination of Kabylie. These movements, branded as **terrorist organizations** by the regime, reveal the lengths to which the government will go to quash dissent and restrict freedom of speech. As Alain Bruttin, CEO of Reporters Without Borders, eloquently stated:

“His sentence to seven years in prison makes no sense and only demonstrates that today nothing escapes politics.”

This deeply troubling verdict raises significant concerns about the *state of journalism in Algeria*. Bruttin emphasized that Gleizes has lived under “absurd judicial control for over a year” and condemned the Algerian justice system’s failure to rise above political pressure.

International Outrage Over the Verdict

The global community cannot remain silent while **journalists are persecuted** for doing their jobs. France’s Foreign Ministry has rightfully expressed “strong condemnation” of Gleizes’s sentence, with authorities in Paris demanding proper diplomatic action to protect this brave reporter. Their statement underscored France’s commitment to **press freedom**—a principle that must not be undermined by the extremist undertones present in Algerian politics.

Seven Years in Solitary: The Case of Christophe Gleizes – An unacceptable punishment for a story.
Freedom of Speech Under Fire – The Algerian regime’s intimidation tactics.
Global Response is Crucial – France must take urgent action.

A Broader Pattern of Suppression

This case is not isolated. It coincides with **Boualem Sansal**, another writer and critic of the Algerian government, who faces a five-year prison sentence for similar charges. This raises the question: How far will the Algerian authorities go to maintain their grasp on power?

Amid these egregious violations of human rights, one thing is clear: the international community must intervene. The silence of global powers in the face of such tyranny speaks volumes about their commitment to **liberty and justice**. The Algerian regime’s actions must not go unchallenged, for the truth is a powerful weapon, and we must stand together to defend it.

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