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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2025/2512(RSP))

On the case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria

B-10-2025-0092

on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Sebastião Bugalho, Christophe Gomart, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michael Gahler, Luděk Niedermayer, Wouter Beke, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Jessica Polfjärd, Tomáš Zdechovský, Andrey Kovatchev

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This resolution condemns the arrest and detention of Boualem Sansal in Algeria and calls for his immediate release, as well as that of all other political prisoners. It urges Algeria to uphold freedom of expression, amend penal code articles that criminalize it, and review its audio-visual law. It stresses that EU-Algeria partnership renewal and future EU funds should depend on progress in these areas.

Key points

  1. Condemns the arrest and detention of Boualem Sansal and calls for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all other political prisoners.
  2. Urges Algerian authorities to grant Sansal access to his family and a lawyer of his choice, and to stop arresting activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.
  3. Calls on authorities to amend charges in the Penal Code used to criminalize freedom of expression, including Articles 87bis, 95bis, 144, 146, 149bis 21 and 196bis.
  4. Calls for review of Law No. 14-04 on Audio-visual Activity to bring it into line with international human rights standards.
  5. Reiterates the importance of a pluralist press for rule of law and fundamental freedoms, as agreed in EU-Algeria Partnership Priorities.
  6. Stresses that renewing the EU-Algeria agreement must be based on continued and substantial progress in these areas.
  7. Underscores that all future disbursement of EU funds should go hand in hand with progress made in this regard.

Who is affected

  • Algerian authorities: must release Sansal and other political prisoners, amend laws, and ensure fair treatment.
  • Boualem Sansal: would be released and granted access to family and lawyer.
  • Political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders in Algeria: would benefit from an end to arrests and detentions.
  • EU institutions: must link future funds and partnership renewal to progress in Algeria.

Figures and deadlines

  • 213 million euros disbursed by the EU to Algeria between 2021 and 2024 under the Multiannual Indicative Program.