Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was arrested in mid-November upon his arrival in Algeria from France, sparking international concern.

Amnesty International has yet to officially condemn the arrest due to insufficient information, though they acknowledge the troubling nature of his detention, which appears linked to his freedom of expression.

Sansal, known for his critical stance against the Algerian government, faces charges under Article 87 bis of the Algerian Penal Code, which addresses state security offenses.

His lawyer plans to appeal for his release in an upcoming court hearing.

The arrest has drawn widespread support from political and literary circles, highlighting ongoing tensions around freedom of speech in Algeria.