The sentencing of writer Boualem Sansal to five years in prison for undermining state security is seen as the latest chapter in the confrontation with France; Algerian influencers had been arrested earlier this year in France citing calling for violence

Tensions are rising with France in what is considered the most serious diplomatic crisis since Algeria's independence in 1962, it was triggered in July 2024 by President Macron's support for Morocco's claims of sovereignty over Western Sahara

A new viral hashtag marking popular discontent #Manich_Radhi - "I am not happy, satisfied" -has been shared by thousands of Algerians despite a new crackdown on social media that brought to dozens of arrests in recent weeks

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, criticised Algeria, which she said continues to "restrict and harass human rights defenders for their peaceful activities"