Christophe Gleizes, French journalist sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria: RSF unveils a giant banner along the Tour de France route

RSF is turning one of the year's most watched events into a platform for press freedom. During the Tour de France - an iconic sporting event broadcast in over 190 countries, a symbol of popular heritage and of freedom of movement and expression - RSF is mobilising support for Christophe Gleizes. The sports journalist, a collaborator with the French magazine So Foot and a keen expert on cycling, was sentenced on 29 June in Algeria to seven years in prison for simply doing his job. On 24 July, 18 km from the finish line of the Tour de France stage from Vif to Courchevel Col de la Loze, and during the final ascent, RSF is displaying a 100 m2 banner bearing the message: "Christophe Gleizes, sports journalist - seven years in prison. #FreeGleizes."

A collective commitment to the cause

This initiative during the Tour de France has been made possible thanks to the support of the race organiser, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the town of Courchevel, and all the members of the support committee for Christophe Gleizes, who are mobilising to make his voice heard all the way to the summit.

Journalist Christophe Gleizes was arrested on 28 May 2024, then placed under judicial control before being sentenced to seven years in prison. He is currently incarcerated in Tizi Ouzou prison on baseless charges. RSF, together with the So Press group and Christophe Gleizes' family, have launched a support committee with hundreds of prominent figures from the worlds of culture, sport, and media, and have opened a petition calling for the journalist's release.