In a development that has heightened diplomatic strains between Algeria and France, the Algerian court has upheld the five-year prison sentence imposed on Boualem Sansal, a prominent French-Algerian writer. Sansal, known for his critical works on Algeria’s political and social landscape, has been a vocal critic of the country’s regime, which has led to his persecution. France has expressed strong disapproval of the ruling, accusing Algeria of violating the rights of its citizens and undermining its democratic values. The situation has sparked concerns about the impact of such actions on bilateral relations and the broader European perspective on human rights issues in North Africa. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations, with French officials calling for immediate release of Sansal and a reassessment of Algeria’s stance on freedom of expression.