Algerian court confirms 7-year sentence for French journalist Christophe Gleizes

TIZI OUZOU, Algeria An Algerian appellate court on Wednesday upheld a seven-year prison sentence for French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was convicted of "glorifying terrorism," dashing hopes for an early release.

Gleizes, a 36-year-old freelance reporter, received the sentence six months ago following an interview with a soccer official linked to a banned separatist organization. He was found guilty under Algerias anti-terrorism legislation and for possessing materials considered propaganda, a ruling criticized by both rights organizations and French media outlets.

A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the rejection of Gleizes appeal and reiterated calls for his release, emphasizing Frances commitment to press freedom worldwide.

During the hearing at Tizi Ouzou's Court of Appeals, Gleizes admitted to multiple journalistic errors, pleaded guilty, and requested leniency to return to his family in France, according to his Algerian attorney, Amirouche Bakouri.

Gleizes remains the only French journalist currently imprisoned globally. Hopes for a favorable appeal were bolstered by improving Franco-Algerian relations and the recent release of French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal. Now, only a presidential pardon from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune could secure his freedom.

Authorities arrested Gleizes in 2024 while he was reporting on JS Kabylie, one of Algerias historically prominent soccer teams, after he entered the country on a tourist visa. The charges relate to his interactions with the clubs head, who was affiliated with a separatist movement deemed a terrorist organization by Algerian authorities. The Kabylia region, home to the Amazigh minority, has a long history of political unrest and separatist activism.

The courts decision comes shortly after the detention of Algerian journalist Saad Bouakba, accused of defamation and insulting revolutionary symbols following comments about misuse of funds by one of Algerias first presidents. Although some media figures have been released in recent months, criticism of the government continues to lead to prosecutions, and foreign reporters face restricted access.

Human rights groups have frequently accused Algeria of leveraging anti-terrorism laws to suppress political expression and restrict press freedom.

Author's Analysis: The Gleizes Case and Press Freedom in Algeria

The Algerian appellate court's decision to uphold Christophe Gleizes' seven-year sentence underscores the persistent risks journalists face under Algeria's anti-terrorism laws. Despite his acknowledgment of journalistic errors and plea for leniency, the court maintained the conviction, signaling a strict interpretation of legislation meant to curb propaganda.

This ruling also highlights the precarious position of foreign reporters in Algeria. Gleizes remains the only French journalist imprisoned globally, and his case demonstrates how political sensitivities—particularly involving the Kabylia region and separatist movements—can override considerations of journalistic intent or international diplomatic pressure.

While Franco-Algerian relations have shown signs of improvement, and recent releases of other French-Algerian figures offered hope, the only potential avenue for Gleizes’ release now appears to be a presidential pardon. The case illustrates broader concerns about press freedom in Algeria, where anti-terrorism statutes continue to be used to restrict both local and foreign media.

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• Algerian court upholds 7-year sentence for French journalist Christophe Gleizes