Algeria: EU Foreign Policy Chief calls for immediate release of writer Boualem Sansal & decries human rights violation

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell has called on Algerian authorities to release immediately Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and denounced the repression of freedom of speech in Algeria.

In a speech delivered Thursday on his behalf at the EU Parliament by Commissioner Helena Dalli, the Vice-President of the European Commission said the circumstances of the arrest and detention of Boualem raise many questions and concerns.

The renowned writer has been taken by the police at Algiers airport on 16 November, but his arrest was only confirmed six days later. The writer is facing terrorism charges based on Algeria Penal Code.

“If this accusation were based exclusively on opinions expressed publicly by Boualem Sansal, it would represent a clear attack against freedom of expression”, said Mr. Borrell, urging the Algerian judicial authorities to address all these issues, which are clearly related to the rule of law and respect for human rights.

The universal human rights values are at the core of the relations between the European Union and Algeria, as reflected in the Association Agreement, he said.

Algeria has been elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2023-2025. As with all members of the Council, we expect Algeria to respect, promote and protect human rights, underlined the senior EU official.