The MR group in the Chamber, through federal MPs Michel De Maegd and Daniel Bacquelaine, demands his immediate and unconditional release.
For over seven months, Boualem Sansal, an internationally renowned Franco-Algerian writer, has languished in an Algerian prison. Sentenced to five years in detention for “undermining national unity” after a summary trial, his imprisonment, under conditions deemed inhumane, embodies the authoritarian drift of the Algerian regime.
The conviction of Boualem Sansal has provoked a wave of outrage far beyond Algeria's borders. From Paris to Brussels, numerous politicians, intellectuals and human rights defenders denounce a flagrant injustice. The European Parliament adopted a resolution in January demanding his release, while the international community continues its diplomatic efforts, so far in vain.
“The imprisonment of Boualem Sansal is a wound for all who believe in freedom of expression. We cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice”, states Michel De Maegd, lead signatory of the MR resolution. “Boualem Sansal is a victim of the repressive machinery of an authoritarian regime because he defends freedom and truth. Demanding his release also reaffirms our commitment to universal values and our shared fight against Islamism,” adds Daniel Bacquelaine.
The Sansal case has become emblematic of the crackdown on dissenting voices in Algeria. Recent amendments to the penal code drastically restrict freedom of expression, and the country has dropped to 126th place in the world press freedom ranking. According to local NGOs, more than 250 prisoners of conscience are currently behind bars.
“Boualem Sansal has committed no crime other than writing and thinking freely. His fate must mobilise all who care about human rights”, insists Michel De Maegd.
The situation of the 80-year-old writer, who is suffering from cancer, is all the more worrying as his health deteriorates in detention. Despite hopes of a presidential pardon on the occasion of the Algerian national holiday, Boualem Sansal was excluded from the clemency measures, causing dismay among his family and supporters.
The proposed resolution asks the federal government to:
- Firmly condemn the arrest and detention of Boualem Sansal.
- Demand his immediate and unconditional release.
- Call on the Algerian authorities to guarantee access to care and respect for his fundamental rights.
- Defend freedom of expression and the protection of intellectuals at every level.
Belgium, true to its values, must raise its voice loudly for justice and humanity. Boualem Sansal must not remain the silent symbol of a murdered freedom.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.