Overview
- Sansal landed in Germany and was en route to a hospital, the German presidency said Wednesday.
- Algeria granted the pardon at the request of President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier, who cited the 81‑year‑old’s fragile health.
- Berlin arranged his transport and committed to his medical care, according to official statements in Algiers and Berlin.
- The Franco‑Algerian author was arrested in November 2024 and in March sentenced to five years for “endangering national unity” after remarks on borders with Morocco and Western Sahara.
- France’s earlier efforts failed; President Emmanuel Macron later thanked Steinmeier for Germany’s mediation.