(NEW YORK)— PEN America today denounced the arrest of prominent Franco-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal by Algerian authorities on November 16 and demanded his immediate release.
Karin Karlekar, director, Writers at Risk, said: “PEN America strongly denounces the arrest of novelist Boualem Sansal and urges Algerian authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally. Free speech is essential to a thriving society, enabling the exchange of ideas, experiences, and mutual understanding. By arresting writers like Sansal, Algerian authorities not only stifle creativity but also deny citizens access to diverse perspectives, perpetuating a climate of fear and repression.”
Sansal was arrested following a trip to France. He appeared before a judge on November 23, who, according to his lawyer, ordered Sansal’s detention pending investigation under Article 87 of the Algerian Penal Code, related to “harming the unity of the state.” Although the exact reason for Sansal’s arrest remains unclear, French media speculate that it could be due to statements he made to the far-right French media outlet Frontières, challenging Algeria’s historical sovereignty over parts of its territory.
Sansal launched his literary career at the age of 50 after he left as a high-ranking official in the Algerian government. His bold criticism of Islamism and authoritarianism led to the banning of his books in Algeria in 2006. Despite this, he achieved international acclaim, winning prestigious honors such as the Prix du Roman Arabe in 2012 and the Grand Prix du Roman from the French Academy in 2015 for 2084: The End of the World, a novel inspired by George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Sansal’s work has earned him a significant global following, with prominent authors, including Salman Rushdie, Annie Ernaux, and Wole Soyinka calling for his immediate release.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.