Appeal date set for French sportswriter jailed in Algeria: lawyer

The hearing for the appeal of a French sports reporter imprisoned in Algeria over claims of "glorifying terrorism" is now set for 3 December, according to his attorney on Friday.

Christophe Gleizes, aged 36 and a writer for So Foot and Society publications, received a seven-year sentence in prison during late June.

"The matter involving French reporter Christophe Gleizes will take place on 3 December 2025, before the criminal appeal tribunal in Tizi Ouzou," situated 110 kilometres (70 miles) to the east of Algiers, stated his attorney Amirouche Bakouri via Facebook.

Gleizes visited Tizi Ouzou to cover the hometown football team Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie, which draws its name from the Kabylia area in Algeria, the homeland of the Amazigh Kabyle community.

Judicial authorities charge him with associating with a notable local soccer personality active in the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), classified as a terrorist group by officials in 2021.

The media rights group Reporters Without Borders urged the appeal tribunal to release Gleizes.

"Christophe bears fault solely for pursuing his role as a sports reporter and his passion for Algerian soccer," stated RSF Executive Director Thierry Bruttin, as per a release from the organisation.