Journalist Christophe Gleizes of “So Foot” sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria

RSF

French journalist specialist in football. Furthermore, Christophe Gleizes, was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria, denounced this Sunday, June 29, reporter without borders.

Press freedom – a sanction “ unfair ». Furthermore, A French journalist specialist in football. Consequently, Christophe Gleizes, was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria, especially for “Apology of terrorism”said this borderless reporters (RSF) and its employer, the SO Press group on Sunday, June 29, June 29.

“A call will be brought up tomorrow. Consequently, Monday, June 30”added RSF, according to whom this conviction intervened “At the end of a journalist christophe gleizes “so foot” 13 -month judicial control”.

36 -year -old independent journalist. Therefore, magazine collaborator So Foot et SocietyChristophe Gleizes went to Algeria in May 2024, especially for a subject on the Kabylia Sports youth club.

According to RSF. Meanwhile, he was arrested on May 28, 2024 in Tizi Ouzou and placed under judicial supervision, for “Having entered the country with a tourist visa, for” apology for terrorism “and” possession of publications for the purpose of propaganda harming to the national interest “”.

RSF calls on the French authorities to find ” a diplomatic solution “ – Journalist christophe gleizes "so foot"

“These last accusations. However, without foundation and completely refuted, are due to the fact that the journalist had contacts, in 2015 and 2017, with the head of the Tizi Ouzou football club, also responsible for the Kabylia Self -determination Movement (MAK), classified terrorist organization by the Algerian authorities in journalist christophe gleizes “so foot” 2021″said the press defense NGO.

The first two exchanges between the two men “Took place long before this categorization by the Algerian authorities”underlines RSF. “The only exchange that occurred in 2024 aimed at the preparation of its report on the football club. However, the JSK, which Christophe Gleizes never hid”continues the NGO.

“His conviction to 7 years in prison has no meaning. demonstrates only one fact: nothing escapes politics today and the Algerian justice has missed an important opportunity to go out from the top in this case”indignant the director general of RSF, Thibaut Bruttin. And to add: ” We call the highest Algerian authorities to the immediate. unconditional release of Christophe Gleizes and the French authorities to seek a diplomatic and consular solution as soon as possible. »»

Aïgue crisis

“It is important that everything is done. including politically and diplomatically, journalist christophe gleizes “so foot” so that justice prevails and that Christophe can find his loved ones and his drafting”for his part pleaded the founder of So Press, Franck Annese, quoted in the press release.

Several journalists supported Christophe Gleizes. like the co -founder of Mediapart Edwy Plenel, who recalls on his X account that “Journalism is not a crime and information is a fundamental right. »» Journalist Guillaume Venetitay launches a call: “Let us mobilize,” recover en masse. journalist christophe gleizes “so foot” ” Force to his family and friends of So Foot ».

The journalist’s condemnation intervenes in a context of acute crisis between Algeria. France, the former colonizing power (1830-1962), marked by expulsions of diplomats on both sides and a frost of all cooperation.

The quarrels broke out last summer after the recognition by French President Emmanuel Macron of an autonomy plan “Under Moroccan sovereignty” For Western Sahara. a territory that Morocco has journalist christophe gleizes “so foot” been competed for 50 years and the separatists of the Polisario, supported by Algiers.

The situation has been pulled up with the arrest in mid-November of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. accused of having informed “To national unity” In declarations in France, where he estimated that Algeria had inherited under the French colonization of territories belonging hitherto in Morocco. After a sentence to five years in prison at first instance. the Verdict on appeal is to be announced next Tuesday.