Algeria Gives French Journalist 10-Year Jail Term — A Serious Warning About Press Freedom

A court in Algeria has increased the jail sentence of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes to 10 years. He was arrested in May 2024 and accused of “glorifying terrorism” and entering the country on a tourist visa instead of a journalist visa. Originally, he was sentenced to seven years, but the appeal court added three more years.

What the Court Says

During the hearing in Tizi Ouzou, the prosecutor claimed that Gleizes “did not come to Algeria for journalism but for a hostile act.” The court also asked for a fine of 500,000 Algerian dinars (about €3,300). Algerian authorities said he contacted people linked to the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK) — a group Algeria labeled a terrorist organization in 2021.
Gleizes said he made mistakes but had no bad intentions. He explained that he went to Algeria to write a story about the football club JSK (Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie).

What the Journalist Says

In court, Gleizes admitted he should have applied for the correct visa and been more careful about who he interviewed. He told the judge: “I beg your mercy so I can return to my family.” His lawyers say he was only doing his job — interviewing people connected to football — not supporting political groups.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Responds

French NGO RSF said Gleizes was arrested simply for doing journalism. According to RSF, his earlier conversations with a JSK official happened before the group was labeled a terrorist organization. They argue that interviewing someone does not make a journalist responsible for that person’s political views.
Many media groups in France have launched campaigns and petitions demanding his release.

A Bigger Issue: Press Freedom Under Pressure

Gleizes’ case comes at a time when relations between France and Algeria are extremely tense. Both countries have expelled diplomats, disagreed on Western Sahara, and clashed over political issues. Some activists fear the journalist is caught between political tensions.
Press freedom organizations say: interviewing someone is not a crime. A journalist’s job is to talk to all sides — even controversial ones.

Growing Concerns About Journalism & Politics

This incident highlights a larger global issue: journalists are often blamed for the beliefs of the people they interview. Lawyers say this misunderstanding puts journalists at risk and damages press freedom, especially in countries already struggling with political tension.

Support Campaigns Continue

Media groups, rights activists, and football fans continue to support Gleizes. RSF launched a petition, and several French news organizations have asked Algeria to release him. They say no journalist should be jailed for reporting.

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