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\u2019s appeal comes amid growing concerns about the impact of this case on Algeria\u2019s global image and its commitments to freedom of expression and press freedom under international law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christophe Gleizes<\/a> is a French sports journalist who has worked with specialized magazines such as So Foot<\/em> andSociety<\/em>, 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 Eboss\u00e9. His reporting trip, however, ended with his arrest and subsequent prosecution on charges of \u201cglorifying terrorism\u201d and \u201cpossessing extremist publications.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COSYFOP stresses that the charges brought against Gleizes fundamentally contradict internationally recognized standards of journalistic practice. Investigative reporting\u2014especially in contexts involving conflict or sensitive political issues\u2014often 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Confederation also notes that Gleizes is not an Algerian citizen, and therefore cannot reasonably be expected to know the details of Algeria\u2019s list of \u201cdesignated terrorist individuals\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COSYFOP believes that the handling of Gleizes\u2019s case further damages Algeria\u2019s international standing, particularly at a time when the country is already facing mounting criticism over the erosion of fundamental freedoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014or even escalate\u2014diplomatic 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\u2019s adherence to its international obligations regarding freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upholding its commitment to defending fundamental freedoms and ensuring Algeria\u2019s respect for its international obligations, COSYFOP calls for the release of journalist Christophe Gleizes through a presidential amnesty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COSYFOP also calls on President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to take a similar step to the one granted to writer Boualem Sansal<\/a> last November, noting that such a release would send a strong, positive signal regarding the state\u2019s commitment to fundamental freedoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COSYFOP also reiterates its call for the amnesty to extend to all prisoners<\/a> of conscience and political detainees, considering such a measure essential for rebuilding trust and improving Algeria\u2019s image on the international stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Nature of Journalism Undermines the Charges<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Serious Repercussions for Algeria\u2019s International Image<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
COSYFOP Calls for a Presidential Amnesty Covering Journalist Gleizes and All Political Detainees<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n