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Rabat– The European Parliament convened in Strasbourg for a plenary session to address the arrest of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, on November 27. The session, which called for his immediate and unconditional release, brought forth concerns about the repression of freedom of expression in Algeria. The repression had drawn widespread condemnation from various European political parties.
Rather than heated exchanges or party divisions, all European political groups in the session united in their condemnation of Boualem Sansal’s arrest. The writer was arrested after he released pieces criticizing the Algerian government.
In his remarks at the session, European People’s Party (EPP) MEP François-Xavier Bellamy noted that the meeting had been called by all parliamentary groups, reflecting a unified stance across the EU.
“This is a moment when all countries and political parties in Europe are united in support of a cause that transcends political differences,” said Bellamy. Sarah Knafo, another MEP, commended the rare unity, stating, “It is not often that we find ourselves in unanimous agreement on such an important issue.”
During the debate, members of the European Parliament expressed a mix of sorrow, anger, and outrage over Sansal’s arrest. Several MEPs condemned the Algerian regime’s repression of free speech, calling for his immediate release and the imposition of sanctions on Algeria. The session was marked by a collective demand for transparency regarding the conditions of Sansal’s detention, which remain shrouded in silence.
Commissioner Helena Dalli opened the session with a statement on Algeria’s long-standing relationship with the EU as a “close neighbor and partner.” Dalli urged that the EU address concerns with Algeria openly and directly, particularly in the case of Sansal’s arrest, which she described as raising significant “questions and concerns” about the state of civil liberties in the country.
The criticisms were squarely aimed at Algeria’s military regime, which, according to Bellamy, had “admitted its weakness” by imprisoning an individual simply for daring to criticize the government. The unanimous condemnation from the European Parliament signals the urgent need for international pressure on the regime to uphold basic human rights.
The Algerian state news agency (APS) confirmed Boualem Sansal’s arrest last Friday, although it did not provide details on the timing or reasons behind it. Sources indicate that the writer was detained on November 16 at Algiers airport upon his arrival from France, prompting calls for his release from renowned literary figures.
As calls for Boualem Sansal’s release continue to gain momentum, the European Parliament’s stance marks a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Algeria. The calls serve as a reminder of the EU’s commitment to defending human rights on the global stage.
