Macron urges Algeria to free writer jailed for Morocco comments

France's President Emmanuel Macron is calling for Algeria to free an 80-year-old writer. Boualem Sansal was sentenced to five years in prison on Tuesday. He was accused of undermining Algeria's territorial integrity.

Sansal was arrested last year after comments made to a French media group. He claimed that France gave too much land to Algeria and too little to Morocco during colonial times. He also stated that Western Sahara historically belonged to Morocco.

During his detention, Sansal faced health issues and spent time in the hospital. His case has drawn support from many intellectuals and politicians. Notable supporters include Nigerian Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka and Indian-British novelist Salman Rushdie.

A conservative mayor in a Paris suburb plans to distribute free copies of Sansal's books. He believes the sentencing is an attack on free speech. President Macron expressed hope for humanitarian decisions from Algerian authorities regarding Sansal’s freedom.

In February, Macron warned about Sansal's situation, linking it to Franco-Algerian relations. He stated that resolving this issue is crucial for restoring confidence between the two countries.

Boualem Sansal has become a focal point in a growing diplomatic dispute. Supporters say he is now a pawn in the troubled relationship between Paris and Algiers.

Algeria was once a French colony but gained independence in 1962 after a long war. Relations have been strained, especially after France supported Morocco's claim to Western Sahara last year.

Algeria responded by recalling its ambassador from Paris. Three years prior, Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco over other disputes.

After Wednesday's court ruling, Sansal’s lawyer appealed to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for compassion towards him. Sansal is known for his anti-Islamist views and criticism of the Algerian government.

Critics argue he caters to far-right sentiments in France. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen praised him as a "fighter for liberty."

While some reports listed his age as 75, his publisher confirms he is actually 80 years old.

Sansal’s notable work includes "2084," which critiques religious radicalism and won an award ten years ago. His upcoming novel, "Vivre," will be published in May and tells of people chosen to colonize a new planet as Earth faces disaster.