Sansal's supporters seek European help with Algeria imprisonment

Acclaimed novelist Boualem Sansal's imprisonment in Algeria has sparked a diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria, with his supporters now seeking European intervention. Sansal, a dual national and critic of the Algerian regime, was arrested in November and sentenced to five years. France accuses Algeria of using the writer as a political pawn, as relations soured after France recognized Morocco's claim over Western Sahara. Supporters are now urging the European Union to pressure Algeria, citing human rights concerns and a trade agreement clause. Sansal, who has been in and out of hospital, is appealing his conviction, with a new trial set for June 24.