The Algerian Parliament has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of blatant interference in Algeria’s internal matters after he criticised the country over the detention of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal.
Macron had called the detention of Sansal, who was arrested at Algiers Airport in November, a disgraceful matter, prompting a sharp rebuke from Algeria. The People’s National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, deemed Macron’s remarks irresponsible and an affront to Algeria’s sovereignty, emphasising that the case was under judicial review according to Algerian law.
The statement condemned Macron’s comments as an overt attempt to tarnish Algeria’s image and reiterated the country’s rejection of foreign interference in internal affairs, particularly concerning human rights and freedoms. It further noted that Algeria, having suffered greatly under French colonial rule, would not accept external lessons on these issues.
The assembly also reminded France of the importance of mutual respect in international relations, following Macron’s call for Sansal’s release and his criticism of Algeria for allegedly denying the writer treatment.
Sansal, who had previously made controversial remarks about Algeria’s territorial integrity, was arrested under charges of undermining national unity. His arrest follows an earlier statement by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune accusing France of sending an illegitimate figure to challenge Algeria’s historical claims over its territory.
