French-Algerian Writer's Sentence Sparks International Tensions

An Algerian court has upheld a five-year prison sentence for Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian writer convicted of undermining national unity. Sansal's detention and controversial statements about Morocco have strained diplomatic relations between France and Algeria, with France seeking clemency and questioning the severity of Sansal's sentence.

An Algerian court confirmed on Tuesday the five-year imprisonment of Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian author accused of undermining national unity, as reported by Ennahar TV. The court's decision has prompted France to issue a plea for clemency.

Boualem Sansal, aged 80, who had been residing in France, was detained while in Algeria last November. His sentence was first handed down in March following comments to a French media outlet. Sansal backed Morocco's claim that part of its territory was annexed into Algeria during French colonial rule.

The French government, voicing regret over the appeal decision, called on Algeria for a humane resolution, emphasizing Sansal's health and humanitarian needs. Meanwhile, Franco-Algerian relations have soured further, exacerbated by other diplomatic clashes including Algeria's refusal to accept nationals deported from France.

(With inputs from agencies.)