A French freelance journalist known for his in-depth reporting on the intersection of sports and politics has been sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria. Christophe Gleizes, 36, who writes for publications like So Foot and Society, was convicted on charges of “glorifying terrorism” and “possessing material used for propaganda harmful to national interests.” The ruling was confirmed Sunday by Reporters Without Borders and So Press, the publisher of the two magazines. Both organizations condemned the court’s decision as unjust and politically motivated, announcing plans to appeal as early as Monday.
Gleizes was taken into custody on May 28, 2024, in Tizi Ouzou, a city in the Kabylie region where he was researching a story on the local football team, Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie. Although he entered the country with a tourist visa, which authorities used to justify the initial legal action, the case appears to have hinged more on his past interactions with individuals linked to the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie, a group Algeria officially labeled a terrorist organization in 2021.
Most of those contacts date back to 2015 and 2017, long before the group received its terrorist designation. A more recent communication in 2024 was part of Gleizes’ preparations for his football reportage. He never attempted to conceal those exchanges, and they were tied directly to his professional work.
Following the verdict, Gleizes was immediately transferred to a prison in Tizi Ouzou. An appeal hearing isn’t expected until October, aligning with Algeria’s next criminal court session.
Reporters Without Borders has strongly criticized the ruling, calling it a sign of increasing authoritarianism in Algeria. “Today, everything is political,” said Thibaut Bruttin, the organization’s executive director. He argued that the judiciary missed a chance to demonstrate independence by instead aligning itself with a broader campaign of repression.
Based in the Paris area, Gleizes has built a career out of bold, socially engaged journalism. His reporting often explores the intersections of sports, politics, and identity, with a particular focus on marginalized communities. His past work has taken him across North Africa, frequently placing him in politically sensitive environments. Through his long-form investigations, he has developed a reputation for shedding light on stories that exist far beyond the stadium walls.
