France's top diplomats defend Daoud against Algerian conviction
French government officials defend Daoud's freedom of expression after Algerian conviction.
Event / Society
Kamel Daoud Algeria Conviction
Franco-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud was convicted by an Algerian tribunal on April 21, 2026 to three years imprisonment and a fine under the National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation, with a ban on returning to Algeria. The conviction relates to his Goncourt Prize-winning novel 'Houris' which addresses Algeria's civil war. French officials criticized the conviction as an attack on artistic freedom, reflecting broader tensions in Franco-Algerian relations and concerns over detention of French citizens in Algeria.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 23 Apr, 11:38 UTC
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What happened
French Foreign Minister condemns conviction of writer for literary work
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed regret that Kamel Daoud could be condemned for writing a book. He noted that as a resident of France, Daoud has no reason to be concerned, emphasizing France's protection of its residents.
Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal pardoned after year in detention
Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was pardoned by the Algerian president in November 2025 after spending approximately one year in detention. This pardon occurred amid a period of tensions in Franco-Algerian relations.
Algerian court convicts Franco-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud to three years prison
The tribunal in Oran, Algeria convicted Franco-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud to three years of imprisonment and a fine of five million Algerian dinars (approximately 32,000 euros) under the National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation. The conviction relates to his novel 'Houris', which won the Goncourt Prize in 2024 and addresses the Algerian civil war.
Algerian tribunal bars Kamel Daoud from returning to Algeria
As part of his conviction, the Algerian tribunal formally imposed a ban on Kamel Daoud returning to Algeria. Daoud has lived in France since leaving Algeria, where he previously worked as a journalist.
French Culture Minister defends writer's freedom of expression
French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard issued a statement reaffirming her commitment to creative freedom and the need to defend artists in their dignity and safety. She emphasized that literature remains a living space of creation, often tested in areas of tension.
French sports journalist remains detained in Algeria on terrorism charge
French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes remains in detention in Algeria following the confirmation of his appellate conviction to seven years imprisonment for alleged apology of terrorism. His supporters contend the conviction is politically motivated.
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Algerian court sentences Kamel Daoud to three years prison
Algerian court convicts writer Kamel Daoud to three years prison and bans his return.