ARC Welcomes Humanitarian Pardon and Release of Algerian-French Writer Boualem Sansal

ARC Welcomes Pardon of Algerian Writer Boualem Sansal, Urges Release of All Artists and Writers Imprisoned for Their Expression

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

13 November 2025

(NEW YORK) – ARC – Artists at Risk Connection welcomes the announced presidential pardon and release of imprisoned Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s decision comes after sustained international appeals, notably from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and international authors–such as Salman Rushdie, Annie Ernaux, Leila Slimani, and Wole Soyinka–and allows Sansal’s transfer from Algeria to Germany for urgent medical treatment. Beyond this, ARC calls on Algerian authorities to formally annul Sansal’s conviction, and to immediately release all remaining artists and writers held on expression-related charges.

“While we are enormously relieved that Sansal has regained his freedom and is now in Germany where he can access critical medical care, his case should serve as a stark reminder: across the world, artists and writers continue to be targeted, silenced, or criminalized, for expressing ideas that challenge power. A pardon cannot erase the harm of unjust imprisonment. True justice requires accountability, the lifting of politically motivated charges, and the release of all artists and writers who remain behind bars. Until that happens, the right to free expression will remain precarious. ”

Boualem Sansal, an influential novelist and essayist who has resided in France for years and whose works have earned international acclaim–including the Prix du roman arabe and the Grand Prix du roman de l’Académie française–was arrested in November 2024 upon arrival to Algiers and sentenced in March 2025 to a five-year prison term on charges of “undermining national unity.” The 81-year-old’s detention generated diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria, while his worsening health due to prostate cancer, and repeated hospitalizations, added urgent humanitarian dimensions to the case.

Although the pardon, described by Algerian officials as a humanitarian response to international appeals, is a positive resolution to Sansal’s case, it does not resolve the deeper issues raised by his prosecution. His case highlights the increasingly precarious environment faced by artists and creative voices in Algeria, where artistic freedom has been significantly constrained by government regulations and censorship. A wider crackdown on civil society has centered on participants of the Hirak protest movement, which erupted in 2019 and called for political reforms and stronger human rights protections. Earlier this week, ARC released a joint-statement regarding the continued legal persecution of Algerian poet Mohamed Tadjadit,  “the poet of the Hirak,” who faces charges with possible death penalty outcomes for his activism. 

About ARC

ARC – Artists at Risk Connection  is an international organization committed to promoting and advancing the right to artistic freedom worldwide. Founded in 2017, ARC works to protect artists and cultural workers who are at risk because of their creative expression, often connected to their identities or roles within their communities. By providing vital resources and support, ARC helps artists at risk overcome challenges like persecution, censorship, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors—whether for their artistic expression or the broader impact they have on cultural, social, and political issues.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Julie Trébault
Executive Director
ARC – Artists at Risk Connection
+1 646-860-5446