RSF Campaigns for Release of Christophe Gleizes, Imprisoned in Algeria

In a significant move advocating for press freedom, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has launched an international petition calling for the immediate release of Christophe Gleizes, a French freelance journalist unjustly sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria. Gleizes, known for his contributions to French publications such as So Foot and Society, was convicted on June 29, 2025, on dubious charges of "glorifying terrorism" and "possessing publications for propaganda purposes harmful to national interests." This case has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, highlighting the severe restrictions on journalistic freedoms in Algeria.

According to RSF's Director General Thibaut Bruttin, the conviction of Gleizes represents an egregious violation of press freedom. Bruttin stated, "The conviction of Christophe Gleizes is senseless and makes one thing clear: nothing escapes politics today. The Algerian justice system has missed a crucial opportunity to resolve this matter honourably." He called upon the Algerian authorities to release Gleizes unconditionally and urged the French government to pursue a diplomatic solution to this alarming situation.

Gleizes has been in Algeria since May 2024, where he was engaged in journalistic work focused on the historical significance of the local football club, Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK), and the commemoration of the late Cameroonian player Albert Ebossé. His imprisonment is noted as the harshest sentence imposed on a French journalist in over a decade, a fact corroborated by RSF's data, which highlights the deteriorating conditions for journalists in the country.

Historically, the treatment of journalists in Algeria has faced scrutiny, with RSF reporting that around one hundred journalists worldwide have been targeted for issues related to sports reporting, with two still imprisoned. In 2010, similar circumstances led to the imprisonment of journalist Daniel Lainé, who reported on sex tourism in Cambodia before being acquitted in 2014. Gleizes’ case raises critical questions about the state of press freedom in Algeria amid a backdrop of political repression and censorship.

The RSF’s petition aims to gather global support for Gleizes, emphasizing the need for solidarity in protecting journalists’ rights. The organization urges individuals to join the campaign using the hashtag #FreeGleizes to amplify the call for his release. The international community's response to this incident could potentially influence the Algerian government’s approach to media freedom and the treatment of journalists.

As the plight of Gleizes continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by journalists worldwide, particularly in regions where freedom of expression is under siege. The implications of this case extend beyond Gleizes himself, reflecting broader issues of human rights and the essential role of the media in democratic societies. The future of press freedom in Algeria and similar contexts hinges on the outcomes of campaigns like those initiated by RSF, as well as the international community's willingness to advocate for fundamental rights in the face of adversity.