On 3 December, the Tizi Ouzou Court of Appeal upheld the seven-year prison sentence handed down to French journalist Christophe Gleizes, prolonging proceedings that have already lasted 18 months. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the journalist’s support committee express their outrage at this ruling against an experienced, highly recognised media professional who was simply doing his job.
Christophe Gleizes’ appeal trial was an opportunity for justice and acquittal, and the decision to uphold the journalist’s seven-year prison sentence comes as a shock. The only French journalist currently imprisoned anywhere in the world, the freelance sports journalist and contributor to the French magazines So Foot and Society was convicted on 29 June of “glorifying terrorism” and “possessing publications for propaganda purposes harmful to national interests” – charges that are completely unfounded. RSF reiterates that the NGO is determined to secure the release of Christophe Gleizes and will continue to campaign alongside his family and support committee.
“How many times does it have to be said: journalism is not a crime! RSF firmly condemns the outrageous decision by the Tizi Ouzou Court of Appeal, which has chosen to continue jailing a journalist who was just doing his job. The Algerian justice system has missed the chance for an honourable outcome. The court did not heed the calls for leniency, the statements made by Christophe in good faith, or the arguments of his lawyers.”
– Thibaut Bruttin, RSF Director General
Christophe Gleizes travelled to Algeria in May 2024 to report on the glory days of the football club Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK) in the 1980s. For this, he was convicted on 29 June of “glorifying terrorism” and “possessing publications for propaganda purposes harmful to national interests”– charges that are completely unfounded. The sentence was upheld on appeal.
Timeline of Christophe Gleizes’ case:
28 May 2024: Christophe Gleizes is arrested in Tizi Ouzou (Algeria) while covering a story on the JS Kabylie (JSK) football club. He is placed under a judicial control order.
29 June 2025: Christophe Gleizes is sentenced to seven years in prison for “glorifying terrorism” and “possessing publications for propaganda purposes harmful to national interests”.
30 June 2025: RSF launches a petition calling for Christophe Gleizes’ release. To date, it has gathered more than 20,000 signatures.
16 July 2025: Around 100 public figures support the call for the release of Christophe Gleizes.
24 July 2025: During the Tour de France cycling competition, a giant banner calling for Christophe Gleizes’ release is unfurled – an action coordinated by RSF. The aim is to turn one of the most high-profile sporting events of the year into a platform for press freedom.
August 2025: A giant banner in support of journalist Christophe Gleizes is unfurled on the front of the town hall in Agen, the town where he was born. The call for Christophe’s release was also shared at the Avignon, Rock en Seine, and Couthures-sur-Garonne festivals, which heard speeches by members of the support committee and RSF.
29 September 2025: To mark three months of the journalists’ detention in Algeria, Sixteen French journalism schools join forces to call for his release. RSF welcomes this initiative and renews its call for his freedom.
20 November 2025: Nine Ligue 1 football clubs mobilise for the release of Christophe Gleizes, who is being held in Algeria.
29 November 2025: Nearly 30 prominent figures join forces to call for his release.
3 December 2025: Christophe Gleizes’ appeal trial is held at the Tizi Ouzou Court of Appeal, which upholds his seven-year prison sentence. RSF demands his release.
