French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, an 81-year-old author known for his scathing criticism of Algerian authorities and Islamists, has been granted a humanitarian pardon by Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The pardon came after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Algeria to free Sansal, who had been sentenced to five years in prison for comments deemed harmful to national unity.
Sansal was arrested in November 2024 and sentenced on appeal in July 2025, sparking outrage among his supporters and deepening a diplomatic rift between France and Algeria. The Algerian government viewed Sansal's statements as an affront to its national sovereignty, particularly when he criticized France for unfairly ceding Moroccan territory during the colonial era.
German President Steinmeier thanked Tebboune for the "humanitarian gesture" that demonstrates the strong relations and trust between Germany and Algeria. Steinmeier also announced that Germany would be responsible for Sansal's transfer and treatment, as the author suffers from prostate cancer.
The pardon has been welcomed by Sansal's daughter, Sabeha, who expressed her relief in a phone call from her home in the Czech Republic. "I was a little pessimistic because he is sick, he is old, and he could have died there," she said. "I hope we will see each other soon."
Sansal, an economist-turned-novelist, has been a vocal critic of Algerian authorities and Islamists throughout his career. He has received several international prizes for his work, including in France and Germany. In recent years, Germany has offered refuge to several high-profile prisoners from other countries.
The pardon marks a significant development in the diplomatic crisis between Paris and Algiers, which has led to the expulsion of officials on both sides, the recall of ambassadors, and restrictions on holders of diplomatic visas. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked his counterparts in Algiers and Berlin for Sansal's release on humanitarian grounds, while also expressing gratitude to Tebboune for the "humanitarian gesture".
Sansal was arrested in November 2024 and sentenced on appeal in July 2025, sparking outrage among his supporters and deepening a diplomatic rift between France and Algeria. The Algerian government viewed Sansal's statements as an affront to its national sovereignty, particularly when he criticized France for unfairly ceding Moroccan territory during the colonial era.
German President Steinmeier thanked Tebboune for the "humanitarian gesture" that demonstrates the strong relations and trust between Germany and Algeria. Steinmeier also announced that Germany would be responsible for Sansal's transfer and treatment, as the author suffers from prostate cancer.
The pardon has been welcomed by Sansal's daughter, Sabeha, who expressed her relief in a phone call from her home in the Czech Republic. "I was a little pessimistic because he is sick, he is old, and he could have died there," she said. "I hope we will see each other soon."
Sansal, an economist-turned-novelist, has been a vocal critic of Algerian authorities and Islamists throughout his career. He has received several international prizes for his work, including in France and Germany. In recent years, Germany has offered refuge to several high-profile prisoners from other countries.
The pardon marks a significant development in the diplomatic crisis between Paris and Algiers, which has led to the expulsion of officials on both sides, the recall of ambassadors, and restrictions on holders of diplomatic visas. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked his counterparts in Algiers and Berlin for Sansal's release on humanitarian grounds, while also expressing gratitude to Tebboune for the "humanitarian gesture".
JUST WHEN YOU THINK THE WORLD HAS NO SOUL ANYMORE, ALGERIA GRANTS HUMANITARIAN PARDON TO 81-YEAR-OLD WRITER BOUALEM SANSAL! 
IT'S ABOUT TIME! I MEAN, WHO NEEDS A PRISON SENTENCE FOR SPEAKING TRUTH? 
especially when the guy's got prostate cancer and is 81 years old. I FEEL BAD FOR HIS DAUGHTER WHO HAD TO LIVE WITH THE WORRY OF HER DAD BEING LOCKED UP. 
BUT WHAT'S REALLY NICE IS THAT GERMAN PRESIDENT STEINMEIER STEPPED IN AND HELPED MAKE THIS HAPPEN. 
IT SHOWS THAT EVEN IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES, WE STILL HAVE PEOPLE LIKE HIM WHO CARE ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS AND ALL THAT GOOD STUFF! 
81yo author was sentenced 2 5 yrs in prison 4 his comments about Algeria's authorities & Islamists but Germany intervened & got him a humanitarian pardon 
anyway, I'm just glad Sansal's gonna be alright now 
Anyway, nice job, Germany, for using your diplomatic clout to get him out. Prostate cancer is no joke, so let's hope he gets the treatment he needs and doesn't have to face any more "adventures" in Algerian prisons. The fact that his daughter had to make a phone call from the Czech Republic to find out he was okay shows just how "reassuring" Algeria can be... 
. On one hand, it's heartening to see Germany stepping in to support Sansal and help facilitate his transfer, especially given his health issues 
. On the other hand, I wonder if this pardon is more of a PR stunt than an genuine attempt at reconciliation between Algeria and France 
. Nonetheless, it's certainly a positive development for Sansal and his family 
.
. and its not like he did anything wrong, just spoke his mind... Germany stepped in and helped him out which is super cool, I guess we should be happy that he's free now 
. but also kinda weird that the German president had to go all the way to save this guy... why can't France or other countries help their own people? 
. At 81, Sansal has lived through decades of turmoil and oppression, yet he continues to speak truth to power with courage and conviction. His case highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in leadership 
. By granting Sansal a pardon on humanitarian grounds, President Tebboune is showing that even the most entrenched differences can be bridged by understanding and kindness 
. It's also a testament to the strong relationship between Germany and Algeria 
. As we reflect on this development, let us remember the power of gentle pressure and diplomacy in resolving conflicts without resorting to harsh measures 
.
... But Steinmeier didn't do that; he went out on a limb to help Sansal while keeping the diplomatic channels open. That takes guts and some serious human compassion 
... like Boualem Sansal has been through so much already. 5 years in prison for just speaking his mind?!?! That's not freedom of speech, that's torture 
.
. I mean, shouldn't we be encouraging people to speak up and challenge our governments instead of silencing them?!?! That's what freedom is all about 
.
. Now he can focus on his prostate cancer treatment (sorry to hear that 
. I'm glad Sabeha Sansal is relieved too 
. Now let's see what's next for Boualem... will he keep writing from his new 'freedom' 
! I mean, 81 is old to be in prison, right? 
He's got prostate cancer too, which makes it even more amazing that Germany stepped in to help him out. It's like they're saying "Hey, we've got your back, Boualem!" 
. germany did good by takin care of him though! tebboune should get props 4 grantin him pardon tho, its a big deal esp since france & algeria r goin thru a diplomatic crisis rn 
Cancer too... Germany should've done this ages ago. Anyway, now that he's out, I wonder if Macron will still push for those Morocco territory thingies. Algeria's got some serious nerve critiquing France over that colonial history stuff. Germany's move just shows how diplomatic relations can be super complicated. And honestly, what about the rest of Sansal's crew? Are they coming too? 
cant believe its happening!!! french-algerian writer boualem sansal is finally free!!! 
it's kinda sad that Algeria had to do this though - not because I condone Sansal's views or anything (he's still a bit of a contrarian for my taste) but because he was in his 80s and had prostate cancer, poor guy needed some TLC 
.
.