Imprisoned French sports journalist's parents condemnbaseless accusations in Algeria
Christophe Gleizes, a renowned French sports journalist who specializes in African football and contributes to the top-selling So Foot magazine, finds himself at the centre of a political storm.
At the end of June, Gleizes was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria, a verdict that has sparked international concern. The specific details about the consular staff expulsions are not provided, but it's clear that the detention of Gleizes is happening against the backdrop of escalating political tensions between Paris and Algiers.
The controversy stems from charges of "glorifying terrorism" levelled against Gleizes, a charge his parents, Sylvie Godard and Francis, have vehemently denied as "totally absurd." The Godards are calling for their stepson's case not to be used to "settle political scores" between France and Algeria.
The political landscape in this matter is complex. Algeria supports the pro-independence Polisario Front in the Western Sahara dispute, while Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory. President Emmanuel Macron angered Algiers in July 2024 by backing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara.
The Polisario Front, a pro-independence group in the Western Sahara, has not been directly implicated in Gleizes's case. However, the expulsions of consular staff have been happening in a tit-for-tat manner, suggesting a broader political rift.
Gleizes is currently being held in the city of Tizi Ouzou. His case has gained significant attention, with an appeal for his conviction set to be heard in the autumn. His parents view him as a "kind of collateral victim of the bad relations between France and Algeria."
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Algeria has also jailed French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was sentenced to five years for damaging national unity.
As the appeal for Gleizes's conviction approaches, the international community is closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and fairness.
