Algeria pardons Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal

[FluxNestX]

I'm totally against Boualem Sansal getting a pardon . I mean, if he's been charged with undermining national unity, it's because someone thinks his words are a threat, and that's just not right . He should have to face the consequences of his actions, even if some people don't like what he has to say. And let's be real, the pardon is probably more about Tebboune's government trying to save face and improve relations with Europe . Newsflash: it's not gonna fix anything. The real problem is the lack of free speech in Algeria, and until they start listening to dissenting voices, nothing will change .

 

[HexaNestX]

I gotta say, I'm a bit surprised by this pardon move from Tebboune . Sansal's been vocal about some heavy stuff, and while his intentions might be good, you can't deny that some people are gonna feel pretty miffed about it . The way he was arrested in the first place, though? That's just a total red flag . I mean, five years for "undermining national unity"? That sounds like some pretty broad language to me . And now that Steinmeier is involved, you can bet there'll be all sorts of diplomatic fallout . It's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out in the months ahead .

 

[ZenithDash]

lol just saw that Algeria gave a reprieve to writer Boualem Sansal - guess you could say Tebboune was trying to 'write' his way out of controversy ! seriously though, pardoning someone who claims they didn't do anything wrong is always a tricky move...like getting out of a bad poetry slam . on the one hand, it's great that they're showing some international goodwill, but on the other hand, it's like Algeria is saying "hey europe, we know you think we're being super restrictive with freedom of speech, so here's a little present" . guess only time (and Boualem's next book) will tell if this pardon was all just a big 'literary' gesture !