Boualem Sansal’s journey in Algiers from being called a ‘thief’ to ‘Mister’

In Algeria, the president speaking before MPs called French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal “a thief sent by France”, an “imposter”, and a “bastard,” in prejudicial comments that say much about the use of the judiciary to silence dissidents in the country where terrorism charges have often been used to crackdown on peaceful opposition figures.

Few days after a court sentenced Sansal to five years in jail, a joint statement by President Tebboune and President Macron referred to the novelist as “Mister Boualem Sansal.”

Macron had reiterated in the joint statement his call on Tebboune “to show humanity” to release Sansal for his old age and frail health.

Sansal was arrested in November in Algiers after his return from France where he had given an interview mentioning the colonial origins of Algeria’s current borders, which include territories amputated by France from Morocco.

His statement, a mere historical fact, triggered the wrath of the Algerian regime upon him. Algerian media indulged in calling Sansal a traitor and a bastard in a spate of insults that did not spare his parents.

Sansal stood before Algerian judges defending his right to free speech in the absence of his lawyer François Zimeray, who was denied a visa to Algeria because of his Jewish faith.

Sansal’s case unveiled the impulsive character of the Algerian regime. It showed the scale of oppression faced by regime peaceful critics, the politically-motivated character of his arrest and trial, the failure of the regime to create a new falsified national narrative and the constant fear of history which shows the artificial dimension of Algeria’s current borders.

His condemnation also reflects the scale of hostility to Morocco and to anyone who speaks in support of normal ties with Rabat.

Yet, referring to the novelist as “Mister Boualem Sansal” in the joint statement shows that Tebboune has bowed before president Macron.