Family of French Journalist Christophe Gleizes Hopes for Presidential Pardon After 500 Days of Detention in Algeria

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, received the family and relatives of French journalist Christophe Gleizes in an effort to follow up on his case, amid hopes held by his loved ones for a presidential pardon that would end his detention.

The French journalist has spent 500 days in detention in Algeria following a judicial ruling against him on charges of "apology for terrorism"—a case that is being closely monitored by human rights and media circles concerned with Franco-Maghreb relations.

Widespread Solidarity in Paris

In conjunction with diplomatic efforts, the French capital, Paris, hosted a football match as a symbolic gesture and tribute to journalist Christophe Gleizes, aimed at recalling his case and expressing the support of his colleagues and well-wishers for his family in their ongoing efforts to secure his release.

International Updates: Judiciary in the Congo and Securing the Youth Olympics in Dakar

On a parallel international level, the Democratic Republic of the Congo witnessed the start of the trial of political opponent Prince Epenge, who is being prosecuted on charges of "spreading false news" following his earlier announcement of the death of an activist on the sidelines of a protest held last September.

In a related development, two days before the conclusion of the Youth Olympic Games in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, technical teams from the local telecommunications agency revealed that their defense systems succeeded in thwarting a very large number of cyberattacks that attempted to target the tournament's activities.