A prominent French sports journalist sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria at the end of June is struggling with isolation but remains determined, according to his family. Christophe Gleizes, who is being held in the city of Tizi Ouzou, is at the center of rising diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers.
His mother, Sylvie Godard, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that although her son is keeping up his spirits, he feels “completely cut off from the world.” Speaking at the Paris offices of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Godard said the family is devastated but committed to ensuring Gleizes’ case is not misused in political disputes.
“Even if his morale is high, even if he is in fighting mood, he feels completely isolated,” she explained. Along with her husband Francis, she appealed for the case not to be used to “settle political scores” between France and Algeria.
Gleizes, a journalist specializing in African football and a contributor to So Foot magazine, was convicted of “glorifying terrorism,” a charge his parents described as “totally absurd.” His legal team has already filed an appeal, which is expected to be heard in the autumn.
This case comes as relations between Paris and Algiers remain strained. Algeria has also imprisoned French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was sentenced to five years for “damaging national unity.” These high-profile detentions add to a series of diplomatic rifts, including expulsions of consular staff on both sides.
Tensions escalated further in July 2024 when President Emmanuel Macron publicly supported Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a disputed territory where Algeria backs the pro-independence Polisario Front. The move triggered anger in Algiers and deepened the diplomatic standoff.
Reporters Without Borders has condemned Gleizes’ detention, stressing that journalism should never be equated with terrorism. Advocacy groups argue that his imprisonment highlights broader concerns about press freedom in Algeria, where independent reporting has increasingly come under pressure.
For now, Gleizes remains behind bars, awaiting the outcome of his appeal. His family, while encouraged by his determination, continues to fear that his case could become collateral damage in the larger geopolitical struggle between Paris and Algiers.
“Christophe has nothing to do with these political conflicts,” his mother emphasized. “We just want justice for him, not politics.”
The French government has so far remained cautious in its response, balancing calls for press freedom with the need to manage sensitive relations with Algeria. Observers warn that Gleizes’ case could test not only diplomatic ties but also France’s broader stance on defending journalists abroad.
As the situation unfolds, the fate of Christophe Gleizes underscores the vulnerability of journalists working across politically sensitive regions. His family’s plea is clear: justice should not be sacrificed for diplomacy.