French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes is set to appear for his appeal trial in Algeria on December 3, 2025, in Tizi Ouzou. Gleizes was originally sentenced to seven years in prison over allegations of glorifying terrorism, a case that has drawn widespread criticism from press freedom advocates.
Background of Christophe Gleizes’ Case
Christophe Gleizes, a 36-year-old contributor to So Foot and Society magazines, was arrested earlier this year while reporting on Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie, a prominent football club in Algeria’s Kabylia region.
Authorities accused Gleizes of links to a figure from the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), which Algeria classified as a terrorist organization in 2021. In June 2025, Gleizes was sentenced to seven years for “apology for terrorism.”
His lawyer, Amirouche Bakouri, confirmed that the criminal appeal court in Tizi Ouzou, approximately 110 kilometers east of Algiers, will hear the case in December.
International Response and Press Freedom Concerns
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for Gleizes’ release, asserting that he is being punished for his journalistic work and passion for Algerian football rather than any criminal activity.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom in Algeria, particularly for foreign journalists covering sensitive political or cultural topics.
Upcoming Developments
Observers and advocacy groups will closely monitor the appeal trial on December 3, hoping for a fair hearing and international attention to the issue of press freedom.
Source: Arab News – Christophe Gleizes appeal trial
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