Ségolène Royal to Visit Detained French Journalist in Algeria

The president of the France-Algeria Association, Ségolène Royal, announced she will visit French journalist Christophe Guillez in prison after receiving authorization from Algeria’s Minister of Justice, amid ongoing diplomatic sensitivity between the two countries.

Speaking to Algerian television, Royal said she personally requested permission from the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Lotfi Boujemaa, to visit the detained journalist. According to her statement, the request was approved, and the prison visit is scheduled for tomorrow.

Royal’s announcement came after she was officially received earlier today by Minister Boujemaa. The visit highlights continued engagement between Algerian authorities and French political figures despite recent tensions.

The Tizi Ouzou Judicial Council previously upheld a seven-year prison sentence against Guillez. He has been detained since June in Tizi Ouzou prison on charges of “praising terrorism.”

Algerian authorities stated that the journalist entered the country on a tourist visa rather than a press visa. Investigations also revealed that he was in contact with members of the MAK organization, which Algeria classifies as a terrorist group.

Royal, a former French presidential candidate in 2007, has been visiting Algeria since Monday. During her stay, she was also received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune two days ago, signaling high-level political engagement.

Royal’s prison visit adds a new dimension to the sensitive case of Christophe Guillez, reflecting both humanitarian concerns and the broader diplomatic context shaping current France-Algeria relations.