Appeal trial of Christophe Gleizes set for 3 December in Algeria: RSF renews its call for the release of the French sports journalist

Journalist Christophe Gleizes, a journalist to several media including Societyand So Foot, was found guilty at first instance of "glorifying terrorism"and "possessing publications aimed at propaganda harmful to the national interest", for having sought to conduct a report on the football club JS Kabylie (JSK). The appeal trial of this experienced journalist, passionate about sport and guilty of nothing more than doing his job, will be held on 3 December.

Sentenced on 29 June, Christophe Gleizeshas since been held in Tizi Ouzou prison, 100 kilometres east of Algiers, the country's capital. He was arrested on 28 May 2024 while reporting on a football club in Kabylie. Immediately brought before the public prosecutor, he was then placed under judicial supervision and banned from leaving Algerian territory. The journalist, who celebrated his 36th birthday in Algiers in early February, was sentenced to seven years in prison on 29 June 2025 and immediately incarcerated.

International mobilisation for his release

Since his imprisonment, RSF has been leading an international campaign demanding his release. On 29 August, a giant banner bearing his image was unfurled in the city of Agen in tribute to the 36-year-old independent journalist, who hails from the region. This mobilisation adds to the actions already undertaken by RSF, which has been multiplying awareness campaigns, notably during sporting events such as the Tour de France, as well as through the launch of a petitionthat has already gathered more than 20,000 signatures. In early September, marking the third month of Christophe Gleizes's detention, 16 French journalism schools also came together to call for his release.