Boualem Sansal, a Franco-Algerian writer fighting against religious fundamentalism and authoritarianism, was arrested on November 16 at Algiers airport as he returned from France. He hasn’t been heard from since. A number of authors, notably in a carte blanche to “Soir”, call for his release. Article reserved for subscribers
Journalist at the International pole By Ugo Santkin Published on 11/24/2024 at 3:46 p.m. Reading time: 2 min
Since Saturday November 16 and his arrival in Algiers from Paris, the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has not given any sign of life. In addition to confirming its “arrest” by the Algerian government agency APS, no other official information has filtered out on the fate of the author in the fight against religious fundamentalism and authoritarianism.
disappearance”. Othman Nasrou, French Secretary of State responsible for citizenship and fights against discrimination, assured this weekend that the subject was being closely monitored by the authorities. “The government has already expressed its great concern (…). This subject is obviously followed with the greatest attention by my colleagues and by the Prime Minister,” he declared on Franceinfo.
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* **What specific actions can the international community, beyond statements of concern, take to pressure the Algerian government for information and the release of Boualem Sansal?** [[1](https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20241122-concern-in-france-over-fate-of-prize-winning-french-algerian-writer-boualem-sansal)]
## The Disappearance of Boualem Sansal: A Conversation
**Introduction:**
Today, we delve into the concerning disappearance of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. Arrested upon his arrival in Algiers from Paris on November 16th, Sansal has not been heard from since. We are joined by two esteemed guests: [Guest 1 Name and Credentials], and [Guest 2 Name and Credentials], to shed light on this worrying situation and explore its implications.
**Section 1: The Arrest and its Context**
* **To [Guest 1]:** Boualem Sansal has been a vocal critic of both religious fundamentalism and authoritarianism. How do you believe his work and stance may have contributed to his arrest?
* **To [Guest 2]:** The Algerian government has confirmed Sansal’s arrest but provided no further information. What are your thoughts on this lack of transparency, and what potential motivations might the Algerian authorities have for keeping Sansal’s situation shrouded in secrecy?
* **Open to both guests:** How does this arrest fit within the broader context of freedom of expression in Algeria?
**Section 2: International Response and Calls for Action**
* **To [Guest 1]:** Several authors have called for Sansal’s release, notably in a public appeal to “Soir” magazine. What impact do you think these public statements have on pressuring the Algerian government to provide information about Sansal’s well-being and whereabouts?
* **To [Guest 2]:** The French government has expressed concern over Sansal’s disappearance. What further actions could be taken by the international community to ensure his safety and prompt his release?
**Section 3: The Importance of Boualem Sansal’s Work**
* **To [Guest 1]:** Boualem Sansal is known for his incisive critiques of societal ills. Can you elaborate on the significance of his work, particularly in the context of contemporary Algeria?
* **To [Guest 2]:** Silencing critical voices like Sansal’s can have dangerous implications for a society. How might his absence impact the Algerian literary landscape and the broader discourse on important social and political issues?
**Concluding Remarks:**
As this interview draws to a close, we must reiterate the urgency of obtaining information about Boualem Sansal’s condition and ensuring his safe return.
* **To both guests:** What message do you have for our viewers regarding Sansal’s disappearance and the importance of defending freedom of expression and the rights of writers and intellectuals worldwide?
This interview structure aims to delve into the complexities surrounding Sansal’s arrest while emphasizing the importance of his work and the need for international pressure on the Algerian government to respect human rights.
