French journalist Christophe Gleizes reaches 500 days in Algerian prison

French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes has now spent 500 days detained in Algeria, Euronews and France 24 reported. Algerian authorities arrested him in May 2024 and subsequently sentenced him to seven years in prison. France 24 reported that he was convicted on charges of glorifying terrorism. Euronews noted that his imprisonment comes during a period of strained diplomatic relations between Paris and Algiers. [1][2][3]

Gleizes's childhood friend, Pierre de La Saussay, told Euronews that Gleizes is a sports journalist who was caught up in a complex diplomatic situation that goes far beyond his sports reporting. De La Saussay added that any chance of release relies on whether Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune decides to grant him a presidential pardon. Family, friends, and members of the football community continue to campaign for his release, according to France 24. [1][2]

Press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders organized a football match featuring more than 40 public figures to draw attention to his 500th day in custody and to demand his freedom. Le Monde and Modern Ghana also reported on the 500-day milestone of his detention. [4][5][6]

Gleizes works as a freelance French sports journalist specializing in African football. His reporting has been published by outlets such as So Foot and Society. He was arrested on May 28, 2024, in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, while working on a report about the JS Kabylie football club. In June 2025, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for glorifying terrorism and possessing publications for propaganda purposes, a decision that an appeals court in Tizi Ouzou affirmed on December 3, 2025. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the conviction, and press freedom groups called for his release. [7][10]

Gleizes withdrew his cassation appeal in May 2026 in an effort to secure a presidential pardon, which his family formally requested. He has maintained that his activities in Algeria were strictly journalistic and centered on the local football club. [10]