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"El-Shorouk" Publishes Details of the Fair Trial: 20 Minutes Reveal the Secrets of the Sansal Case
El-Shorouk Publishes Details of the Fair Trial
According to legal procedures:
20 minutes reveal the details of the Sansal case
Judge: "Messages with the French ambassador include insults to the army and government institutions."
Prosecution: Suspicious publications and electronic files threatening national security were in the defendant's possession.
Boualem: "I admit to having files and videos, but they fall under freedom of expression."
Writer Boualem Sansal admitted before the Algerian judiciary to possessing files and videos related to public order and Algeria’s security, but he argued that they were “within the framework of freedom of expression, nothing more.” The accused writer could not avoid acknowledging before the court that he exchanged messages with French ambassadors. When confronted by the judge with the truth of these exchanges, he attempted to justify himself by saying: “They are just friends!”... Follow the details of the trial...
At exactly 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 20, Boualem Sansal entered the courtroom unshackled, walking confidently and calmly. He appeared calm, showing no signs of fatigue or health deterioration, contrary to the rumors spread by some parties. The man appeared to be in good health. There was no sign of confusion in his movement or his expressions; he looked perfectly normal, dressed simply, which reflected his physical comfort. This confirmed that he had not been mistreated or pressured during his detention. His humane treatment by the guards and the court staff further emphasized this.
In courtroom number 2 at the Algiers Court of First Instance, during a routine session for public order cases and related misdemeanors, Sansal was the fourth defendant to appear before the court, which confirmed that, like all other defendants, he was not given any preferential treatment or expedited process in terms of the trial.
... Just 20 minutes were enough for the Algerian judiciary to dispel the false claims and rumors that some enemies of Algeria tried to spread regarding supposed pressures and fabricated torture. Algeria, with its sovereignty and institutions, conducts trials through advocacy, not vengeance, and upholds the flag of justice above all else.
The judge called Boualem Sansal and asked him to approach the stand for questioning: "Are you ready for your trial? Where is your defense?"
Sansal responded: "I have decided to cancel my lawyer’s power of attorney, and I am ready to answer all the questions posed by the court."
The judge began the trial and confronted Sansal with the charges brought by the investigating judge. Sansal appeared calm and composed, listening attentively to the judge, though at times he had to move closer due to hearing difficulties. This interaction was evident throughout the session, with the accused stepping forward whenever he needed to hear the question clearly, while the judge dealt with him patiently, repeating some phrases to clarify the questions.
Despite the heavy charges he faced, Sansal did not attempt to evade answering, responding directly and clearly, speaking in a calm tone without agitation. The session proceeded smoothly, with no tension or altercations, as everything was conducted within a legal framework. The court did not impose any restrictions on him, reflecting the respect for legal procedures and ensuring the defendant’s right to defend himself freely.
Sansal appeared comfortable, even showing some gestures that reflected his confidence in his statements. He did not hesitate to ask for clarification on certain questions due to language issues. Despite his refusal to appoint any lawyer to defend him, no pressure was applied, and he was allowed to express his viewpoint without interruption or restrictions by the court, which dealt with him professionally and with full respect for his rights as a defendant, giving him the opportunity to respond fully to all the charges against him.
The session continued in a normal atmosphere, with Sansal appearing aware of what was happening around him and engaging with the trial proceedings. He showed no signs of stress or anxiety, and thus, the trial unfolded with strict adherence to legal procedures, confirming that it was conducted fairly, giving the accused a complete opportunity to defend himself without obstacles or pressures.
Face to Face... The Judge Questions Sansal
Without delay, the judge began questioning Boualem Sansal.
Judge: "Do you speak Arabic?"
Sansal: "Honestly, I do not speak it well."
Judge: "What about 'Darija' (Algerian Arabic)? We will speak in Darija; try to respond as best you can in understanding the questions posed to you."
Accused: "I do not understand Darija either, Mr. President."
The judge then asks Sansal for his full name, confirming his identity, date of birth, and personal details before presenting the charges against him: "You are charged with offenses related to national unity, insulting a public authority, engaging in practices that harm national security and economy, and possessing videos that threaten national security. Do you acknowledge or deny these charges?"
Sansal: "No, Mr. President, I deny these charges in full."
Judge: "An electronic search of your devices, including your phone, revealed a message sent to someone named 'Yazid,' who is part of the 'MAK' movement. In it, you told him that you were happy with what the organization was doing to achieve independence and the separation of the Kabylie region. Did you send him this message, and what is your response to these facts?"
Sansal: "No, I did not send him that, Mr. President."
Judge: "There is another charge related to insulting a public authority, specifically the Algerian parliament, where messages between you and a member of the French embassy were found."
Sansal: "I don’t understand."
Judge: "There are WhatsApp messages between you and the current French ambassador, containing insults to the army and government institutions?"
Sansal: "Yes, I do not deny the existence of these messages, but they were just casual conversations and did not include any insults."
Judge: "Another question. According to the results of the electronic search, messages between you and the former French ambassador to Algeria were found, in which you expressed your happiness about the current situation in Algeria and said: 'I’m happy we have oil and Chengriha.' What did you mean by that?"
Sansal: "Yes, there were messages between us. We are friends, and I expressed to him the reality of Algeria’s financial and security situation, sharing my happiness with the stable security and financial situation in our country. There was no insult or mockery in those messages, and I had no ill intention behind them."
Judge: "What about the article found with you, which discusses Algeria’s military strength and army?"
Sansal: "I was expressing my opinion as an Algerian citizen, and I wrote the article to present my perspective without any intention to disrespect the army institution, which I deeply respect."
Judge: "There is another charge related to harming the national economy, based on messages retrieved from your phone and personal conversations with the former French ambassador, where you discussed Algeria’s refusal to join the BRICS organization twice."
Sansal: "These messages were just a conversation between me and the ambassador, as we share a friendship, not based on his position as a French diplomat."
Judge: "What is your response to the accusation of spreading false news that harms Algeria's security, through a TV interview in which you criticized the state’s decisions and institutions based on incorrect information and attributed baseless facts to them?"
Sansal: "The interview I later published on online platforms contained statements expressing my opinion and concerns as an Algerian citizen. I tried to convey the reality I live, like other Algerians. There was no intention to harm, of course."
Judge: "You are also accused of possessing documents and videos found on your flash drive, which threaten public order and national security. What do you say about that?"
Sansal: "Yes, I admit the presence of these files and videos, but I created them within the framework of freedom of expression, nothing more."
10 Years in Prison for Charges of Harming National Unity
In light of this, the public prosecutor at the Algiers Court of Misdemeanors requested a sentence of 10 years of prison and a fine of one million Algerian dinars for Boualem Sansal, on charges of harming national unity, insulting a public authority, engaging in practices that could harm the national economy, and possessing videos and publications threatening national security and stability.
In a strong argument, the public prosecutor confirmed that Boualem Sansal, a citizen holding Algerian nationality, had held an important government position in a sensitive ministry but became involved in statements and publications that undermine national unity and threaten the security and stability of the country.
The prosecutor delved into the details of his arrest at Houari Boumediene Airport upon entering Algeria with an Algerian passport, based on an arrest warrant issued against him, and his subsequent arrest at the Algerian airport.
The prosecutor revealed that electronic searches of the accused’s phone, computer, and storage media had uncovered files and videos, along with messages exchanged on WhatsApp, containing dangerous content that threatened national security. Investigations also revealed statements made by the defendant in which he undermined national territorial integrity.
Additionally, the prosecutor pointed out that the investigation showed messages exchanged between Sansal and members of the terrorist organization "MAK," in which he admitted his relationship with a person named "Yazid," a member of the organization, discussing the issue of the Kabylie region's independence and the group's plans to achieve this goal.
The prosecution accused the defendant of explicitly insulting public institutions in Algeria through several messages that contained false accusations, as well as spreading false ideas and claims.
Furthermore, the prosecutor highlighted that the defendant, who held a high position in one of Algeria's sensitive sectors, had sent messages in October criticizing the national economy, using phrases that aimed to question the performance of Algeria’s constitutional, civil, and military institutions.
The prosecutor concluded by emphasizing that, while the defendant enjoys the right to free expression, Algerian law and the constitution, along with the penal and procedural codes, set strict limits on the exercise of this right, which cannot be exceeded under any pretext.
El-Shorouk Publishes Details of the Fair Trial
According to legal procedures:
20 minutes reveal the details of the Sansal caseJudge: "Messages with the French ambassador include insults to the army and government institutions."
Prosecution: Suspicious publications and electronic files threatening national security were in the defendant's possession.
Boualem: "I admit to having files and videos, but they fall under freedom of expression."
Writer Boualem Sansal admitted before the Algerian judiciary to possessing files and videos related to public order and Algeria’s security, but he argued that they were “within the framework of freedom of expression, nothing more.” The accused writer could not avoid acknowledging before the court that he exchanged messages with French ambassadors. When confronted by the judge with the truth of these exchanges, he attempted to justify himself by saying: “They are just friends!”... Follow the details of the trial...At exactly 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 20, Boualem Sansal entered the courtroom unshackled, walking confidently and calmly. He appeared calm, showing no signs of fatigue or health deterioration, contrary to the rumors spread by some parties. The man appeared to be in good health. There was no sign of confusion in his movement or his expressions; he looked perfectly normal, dressed simply, which reflected his physical comfort. This confirmed that he had not been mistreated or pressured during his detention. His humane treatment by the guards and the court staff further emphasized this.
In courtroom number 2 at the Algiers Court of First Instance, during a routine session for public order cases and related misdemeanors, Sansal was the fourth defendant to appear before the court, which confirmed that, like all other defendants, he was not given any preferential treatment or expedited process in terms of the trial.... Just 20 minutes were enough for the Algerian judiciary to dispel the false claims and rumors that some enemies of Algeria tried to spread regarding supposed pressures and fabricated torture. Algeria, with its sovereignty and institutions, conducts trials through advocacy, not vengeance, and upholds the flag of justice above all else.
The judge called Boualem Sansal and asked him to approach the stand for questioning: "Are you ready for your trial? Where is your defense?"
Sansal responded: "I have decided to cancel my lawyer’s power of attorney, and I am ready to answer all the questions posed by the court."
The judge began the trial and confronted Sansal with the charges brought by the investigating judge. Sansal appeared calm and composed, listening attentively to the judge, though at times he had to move closer due to hearing difficulties. This interaction was evident throughout the session, with the accused stepping forward whenever he needed to hear the question clearly, while the judge dealt with him patiently, repeating some phrases to clarify the questions.
Despite the heavy charges he faced, Sansal did not attempt to evade answering, responding directly and clearly, speaking in a calm tone without agitation. The session proceeded smoothly, with no tension or altercations, as everything was conducted within a legal framework. The court did not impose any restrictions on him, reflecting the respect for legal procedures and ensuring the defendant’s right to defend himself freely.
Sansal appeared comfortable, even showing some gestures that reflected his confidence in his statements. He did not hesitate to ask for clarification on certain questions due to language issues. Despite his refusal to appoint any lawyer to defend him, no pressure was applied, and he was allowed to express his viewpoint without interruption or restrictions by the court, which dealt with him professionally and with full respect for his rights as a defendant, giving him the opportunity to respond fully to all the charges against him.
The session continued in a normal atmosphere, with Sansal appearing aware of what was happening around him and engaging with the trial proceedings. He showed no signs of stress or anxiety, and thus, the trial unfolded with strict adherence to legal procedures, confirming that it was conducted fairly, giving the accused a complete opportunity to defend himself without obstacles or pressures.
Face to Face... The Judge Questions Sansal
Without delay, the judge began questioning Boualem Sansal.
Judge: "Do you speak Arabic?"
Sansal: "Honestly, I do not speak it well."
Judge: "What about 'Darija' (Algerian Arabic)? We will speak in Darija; try to respond as best you can in understanding the questions posed to you."
Accused: "I do not understand Darija either, Mr. President."
The judge then asks Sansal for his full name, confirming his identity, date of birth, and personal details before presenting the charges against him: "You are charged with offenses related to national unity, insulting a public authority, engaging in practices that harm national security and economy, and possessing videos that threaten national security. Do you acknowledge or deny these charges?"
Sansal: "No, Mr. President, I deny these charges in full."
Judge: "An electronic search of your devices, including your phone, revealed a message sent to someone named 'Yazid,' who is part of the 'MAK' movement. In it, you told him that you were happy with what the organization was doing to achieve independence and the separation of the Kabylie region. Did you send him this message, and what is your response to these facts?"
Sansal: "No, I did not send him that, Mr. President."
Judge: "There is another charge related to insulting a public authority, specifically the Algerian parliament, where messages between you and a member of the French embassy were found."
Sansal: "I don’t understand."
Judge: "There are WhatsApp messages between you and the current French ambassador, containing insults to the army and government institutions?"
Sansal: "Yes, I do not deny the existence of these messages, but they were just casual conversations and did not include any insults."
Judge: "Another question. According to the results of the electronic search, messages between you and the former French ambassador to Algeria were found, in which you expressed your happiness about the current situation in Algeria and said: 'I’m happy we have oil and Chengriha.' What did you mean by that?"
Sansal: "Yes, there were messages between us. We are friends, and I expressed to him the reality of Algeria’s financial and security situation, sharing my happiness with the stable security and financial situation in our country. There was no insult or mockery in those messages, and I had no ill intention behind them."
Judge: "What about the article found with you, which discusses Algeria’s military strength and army?"
Sansal: "I was expressing my opinion as an Algerian citizen, and I wrote the article to present my perspective without any intention to disrespect the army institution, which I deeply respect."
Judge: "There is another charge related to harming the national economy, based on messages retrieved from your phone and personal conversations with the former French ambassador, where you discussed Algeria’s refusal to join the BRICS organization twice."
Sansal: "These messages were just a conversation between me and the ambassador, as we share a friendship, not based on his position as a French diplomat."
Judge: "What is your response to the accusation of spreading false news that harms Algeria's security, through a TV interview in which you criticized the state’s decisions and institutions based on incorrect information and attributed baseless facts to them?"
Sansal: "The interview I later published on online platforms contained statements expressing my opinion and concerns as an Algerian citizen. I tried to convey the reality I live, like other Algerians. There was no intention to harm, of course."
Judge: "You are also accused of possessing documents and videos found on your flash drive, which threaten public order and national security. What do you say about that?"
Sansal: "Yes, I admit the presence of these files and videos, but I created them within the framework of freedom of expression, nothing more."
10 Years in Prison for Charges of Harming National Unity
In light of this, the public prosecutor at the Algiers Court of Misdemeanors requested a sentence of 10 years of prison and a fine of one million Algerian dinars for Boualem Sansal, on charges of harming national unity, insulting a public authority, engaging in practices that could harm the national economy, and possessing videos and publications threatening national security and stability.
In a strong argument, the public prosecutor confirmed that Boualem Sansal, a citizen holding Algerian nationality, had held an important government position in a sensitive ministry but became involved in statements and publications that undermine national unity and threaten the security and stability of the country.
The prosecutor delved into the details of his arrest at Houari Boumediene Airport upon entering Algeria with an Algerian passport, based on an arrest warrant issued against him, and his subsequent arrest at the Algerian airport.
The prosecutor revealed that electronic searches of the accused’s phone, computer, and storage media had uncovered files and videos, along with messages exchanged on WhatsApp, containing dangerous content that threatened national security. Investigations also revealed statements made by the defendant in which he undermined national territorial integrity.
Additionally, the prosecutor pointed out that the investigation showed messages exchanged between Sansal and members of the terrorist organization "MAK," in which he admitted his relationship with a person named "Yazid," a member of the organization, discussing the issue of the Kabylie region's independence and the group's plans to achieve this goal.
The prosecution accused the defendant of explicitly insulting public institutions in Algeria through several messages that contained false accusations, as well as spreading false ideas and claims.
Furthermore, the prosecutor highlighted that the defendant, who held a high position in one of Algeria's sensitive sectors, had sent messages in October criticizing the national economy, using phrases that aimed to question the performance of Algeria’s constitutional, civil, and military institutions.
The prosecutor concluded by emphasizing that, while the defendant enjoys the right to free expression, Algerian law and the constitution, along with the penal and procedural codes, set strict limits on the exercise of this right, which cannot be exceeded under any pretext.