Detained French Journalist in Algeria Receives Second Consular Visit

French journalist Christophe Gleizes, detained in Algeria since May 2024, received his second consular visit on July 7, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pascal Confavreux, the ministry's spokesperson, stated that French services are "permanently mobilized" to assist Gleizes and ensure his consular protection.

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Our services are mobilized in permanence to assist him and ensure his consular protection.

Gleizes, 37, was arrested in Kabylie while working on a report about JSK, a prominent football club. He was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison in June 2025 for "apology of terrorism," a verdict upheld on appeal in December. In March, he withdrew an appeal to the Court of Cassation, hoping to pave the way for a presidential pardon.

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We have already been able to make two consular visits, the last of which took place on July 7.

Responding to questions about potential release linked to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's visit to Berlin, the spokesperson described "very constructive discussions." France welcomes any diplomatic initiatives from allies that could expedite Gleizes' return. His mother, Sylvie Godard, reported in late June that while he is in good health, the "confinement is really starting to weigh on him," as he is cut off from the world and current events.

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We are having always very constructive discussions with our partners on this subject.

Germany had previously intervened with the Algerian president on behalf of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who received a presidential pardon in November 2025. Gleizes, who contributes to So Foot and Society magazines, had his judicial proceedings concluded in May when the Algerian judiciary rejected a prosecutor's appeal.

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We always welcome all initiatives from our allies and diplomatic partners that would lead to Christophe Gleizes' swift return to France.