French journalism schools campaign for release of French reporter jailed in Algeria

This decision by 16 French journalism schools to campaign jointly for the release of Christophe Gleizes, who works on a freelance basis for So Footand Society(magazines owned by the So Press group), is without precedent in the recent history of French journalism schools.

Starting today, 29 September, the Conference of Journalism Schools (CEJ), which represents the 15 schools recognised by the French media profession, and the Nantes Centre for Journalism in Nantes will be demonstrating their support for Christophe Gleizes by displaying banners, organising conferences, and holding rallies. Events are planned in several university cities, including documentary screenings, public readings of Christophe Gleizes' articles, and meetings with journalists who know him.

This campaign will complement the activities already being undertaken by RSF with the aim of drawing attention to his case, especially during sporting events, such as the Tour de Francethis summer, and by launching a petitionthat has already gathered more than 20,000 signatures.

Christophe Gleizes, 36, was originally arrested in May 2024 while reporting in Algeria on the history of the Kabylie Sports Youth (JSK) football club, as well as such prominent football figures such as player Salah Djebaïli and coach Patrice Beaumelle. Accused of "apology for terrorism" and "possession of publications for propaganda purposes harmful to the national interest," he was sentencedon 29 June 2025 to seven years in prison, a decision that stunned journalistic circles.

The journalism schools participating in the campaign:

The Cannes University Institute of Technology, the Lannion University Institute of Technology (Information and Communication Department), the Strasbourg University Centre for Journalism, the Bordeaux Aquitaine Institute of Journalism, CY Cergy (Master in Journalism), the Grenoble School of Journalism, the Lille School of Journalism, the Tours Public School of Journalism, the Sorbonne University Centre for Applied Literary and Scientific Studies, the Aix-Marseille School of Journalism and Communication in Marseille, the Toulouse School of Journalism, the Nantes Centre for Journalism, the Sciences Po Paris School of Journalism, the French Press Institute (Paris 2 University), the Practical Institute of Journalism (Paris-Dauphine University) and the Paris Centre for Journalism Training.