COSYFOP Calls for the Immediate Release of French Journalist Gleizes After a Seven-Year Prison Sentence

🗓️ Published on: 08/12/2025

The Trade Union Confederation of Productive Forces (COSYFOP) is calling on the Algerian government to immediately release French journalist Christophe Gleizes, after an appeals court upheld his seven-year prison sentence in a case that has drawn significant attention from international media and diplomatic circles. The organization’s appeal comes amid growing concerns about the impact of this case on Algeria’s global image and its commitments to freedom of expression and press freedom under international law.

Christophe Gleizes: A Sports Journalist Caught in a Political Storm

Christophe Gleizes is a French sports journalist who has worked with specialized magazines such as So Foot andSociety, focusing largely on African football coverage. In May 2024, he traveled to Algeria to investigate issues linked to the JS Kabylie football club and the death of Cameroonian player Albert Ebossé. His reporting trip, however, ended with his arrest and subsequent prosecution on charges of “glorifying terrorism” and “possessing extremist publications.”

On December 3, 2025, the Tizi Ouzou Court of Appeal upheld the initial ruling sentencing him to seven years in prison, which sparked fierce criticism from international organizations defending press freedom.

The Nature of Journalism Undermines the Charges

COSYFOP stresses that the charges brought against Gleizes fundamentally contradict internationally recognized standards of journalistic practice. Investigative reporting—especially in contexts involving conflict or sensitive political issues—often requires engaging with a wide range of actors, including opposition figures or individuals listed as terrorists, in order to obtain balanced and comprehensive information. Such contact, according to established professional norms, does not constitute a crime nor does it demonstrate any criminal intent.

The Confederation also notes that Gleizes is not an Algerian citizen, and therefore cannot reasonably be expected to know the details of Algeria’s list of “designated terrorist individuals” or the legal implications associated with it. Even if such contacts occurred, they would fall squarely within the duties of a journalist and cannot be used as grounds to accuse him of terrorism-related offenses.

Serious Repercussions for Algeria’s International Image

COSYFOP believes that the handling of Gleizes’s case further damages Algeria’s international standing, particularly at a time when the country is already facing mounting criticism over the erosion of fundamental freedoms.

The Confederation argues that the case reflects a clear politicization of judicial proceedings, creating the impression that the justice system is being used as a tool to manage—or even escalate—diplomatic tensions rather than to address genuine criminal matters. According to COSYFOP, such practices undermine the confidence of international partners and cast serious doubt on Algeria’s adherence to its international obligations regarding freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.

COSYFOP Calls for a Presidential Amnesty Covering Journalist Gleizes and All Political Detainees

Upholding its commitment to defending fundamental freedoms and ensuring Algeria’s respect for its international obligations, COSYFOP calls for the release of journalist Christophe Gleizes through a presidential amnesty.

COSYFOP also calls on President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to take a similar step to the one granted to writer Boualem Sansal last November, noting that such a release would send a strong, positive signal regarding the state’s commitment to fundamental freedoms.

COSYFOP also reiterates its call for the amnesty to extend to all prisoners of conscience and political detainees, considering such a measure essential for rebuilding trust and improving Algeria’s image on the international stage.