Overview
- The appeal hearing in Tizi Ouzou starts at 9:00 a.m. local time, with a decision expected the same day, according to his Algerian lawyer.
- Gleizes, 36, was sentenced in June to seven years in prison for apologie du terrorisme and possession of publications deemed propaganda.
- Prosecutors cite his contacts with a Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie official who also held a role in the MAK, designated a terrorist group by Algerian authorities in 2021.
- His defense and Reporters Without Borders argue the exchanges were journalistic sourcing, noting early contacts predated the 2021 designation and a 2024 message prepared a JSK report.
- Supporters point to a diplomatic easing after the November pardon of writer Boualem Sansal, while his lawyers report they met him before the hearing and express cautious optimism.