Macron pledges to continue efforts for release of French journalist in Algeria following unsuccessful court appeal

PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to continue his efforts to secure the freedom of Christophe Gleizes, a French sports journalist imprisoned in Algeria. On Wednesday, an Algerian appeals court upheld Gleizes' seven-year prison sentence, ending hopes for an early release.

Macrons office stated on Thursday that the president will persist in engaging with Algerian authorities to ensure his release and prompt return to France.

The French football league also joined calls for Gleizes' release, urging clubs and fans to amplify the appeal.

Gleizes, a 36-year-old freelance journalist, was sentenced six months ago following an interview with a soccer official linked to a banned separatist group. He was found guilty under Algerias anti-terrorism laws and for possessing materials considered propaganda. Human rights organizations and French media sharply criticized the verdict.

During his appeal in Tizi Ouzou, Gleizes admitted to several journalistic errors and asked the prosecutor for leniency, expressing his wish 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 his release had risen after the improvement of French-Algerian relations and the recent release of French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal. Now, only a pardon from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune could free the sportswriter.

Author: Ethan Caldwell