The writer Boualem Sansal has disappeared

The Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who lives in France, was arrested in Algiers. Since then, neither family nor friends have heard from him. Boualem Sansal, pictured on the right, was a guest at globale° in 2013 and 2026. We are very concerned and hope that he will be released soon.

The Merlin publishing house, which publishes his books in Germany, writes:

On November 16, our author Boualem Sansal was taken into custody on his way back from France on his arrival in Algiers and has been in custody ever since. According to a report by France 24 (23.11.), he is accused of “questioning the raison d’être of the Algerian nation” and its historical borders.

“Anyone who knows him personally knows that Boualem Sansal is a peace-loving person. In favor of truth and truthfulness, he has publicly expressed his opinion as a critical intellectual for years, despite criticism and threats. Together with all those who appreciate Boualem Sansal’s work and are on friendly terms with him, we are very concerned about him.” (Katharina Eleonore Meyer, publisher)