On the case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria

B100092/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria

(2025/2512(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–having regard to its previous resolutions on Algeria,

–having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.whereas on 16 November 2024 Algerian authorities arrested French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal upon his arrival at Algiers airport, without giving a date to be presented before the public prosecutor; whereas his whereabouts remained unknown for over a week, during which he was denied access to his family and legal counsel, contrary to international law; whereas Boualem Sansal was subjected to interrogations in the absence of his lawyer, in violation of his right to a fair trial; whereas he was subsequently charged with national security-related offences under article 87bis of the Algerian Penal Code, a provision frequently used against government critics, including human rights defenders; whereas Boualem Sansal has been hospitalised since mid-December;

B.whereas new Penal Code amendments adopted on 28 April 2024 have introduced significant restrictions on freedom of expression, which also include provisions that broaden criminal liability by targeting expressions that harm ‘the image of the security services and their agents’ failing to recognise the importance of free expression, especially in the context of public interest;

C.whereas freedom of expression has deteriorated, with Algeria falling to 139th in the 2024 Press freedom Index; whereas censorship, trials and severe punishment of independent media, often accused of plotting with foreign powers against national security, continue to worsen;

D.whereas the EU has disbursed 213 million euros between 2021 and 2024 to Algeria under the Multiannual Indicative Program;

1.Condemns the arrest and detention of Boualem Sansal and calls for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as all other political prisoners ; urges the Algerian authorities to grant them adequate access to his family and a lawyer of his choice; calls on the Algerian authorities to uphold Algeria’s international obligations to protect the right to freedom of expression and to put a stop to the arrest and detention of political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, or anyone who expresses a dissenting view or criticism of the government inside and outside of Algeria’s borders;

2.Calls on the authorities to amend the charges in the Penal Code used to criminalize the right to freedom of expression, including Articles 87bis, 95bis, 144, 146, 149bis 21 and 196bis, and to review Law No. 14-04 on Audio-visual Activity to bring it into conformity with international human rights standards according to the treaties and conventions Algeria has ratified;

3.Reiterates, as jointly agreed in the EU-Algeria Partnership Priorities, the importance of a pluralist press to consolidate the rule of law and fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression; stresses that renewing this agreement must be based upon continued and substantial progress in the aforementioned domains and underscores that all future disbursement of EU funds should go hand in hand with progress made in this regard;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the EU Delegation in Algiers, the Government of Algeria.