French journalist jailed in Algeria on terrorism charges sparks outrage
Algerian authorities have sentenced French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes to seven years in prison for allegedly “glorifying terrorism,” a verdict condemned by media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) as “nonsensical.” The 36-year-old contributor to So Foot magazine was immediately incarcerated following Thursday’s ruling in Tizi Ouzou, northern Algeria, and will appeal the decision Monday.
Gleizes, co-author of a book on African football, had traveled to Algeria in May 2024 to report on the Kabylie region’s football club, JS Kabylie.
Arrested on May 28, he was placed under judicial supervision and barred from leaving the country before being charged with terrorism-related offenses.
RSF denounced the conviction, stating Gleizes was “unjustly imprisoned for simply doing his job.”
The case, set for appeal in October, has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates, who view it as part of Algeria’s broader crackdown on dissent.
Algerian authorities have not publicly detailed the evidence against Gleizes, but the charges include “possessing publications harmful to national interests.”
RSF’s Thibaut Bruttin called the proceedings “absurd,” highlighting growing concerns over media repression in the country.
The French Foreign Ministry has yet to comment, but the case risks further straining France-Algeria relations amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
