**French-Algerian Author Sentenced to Prison Over Controversial Comments on Morocco**

The case of Boualem Sansal, who criticized historical land distribution during the colonial era, highlights tensions between Algeria and France, further igniting diplomatic disputes between the nations.

Boualem Sansal, the 80-year-old French-Algerian writer, has been sentenced to five years in prison by an Algerian court after comments he made regarding the historical territorial distribution between Algeria and Morocco. His remarks were made during an interview with a far-right French media outlet, where he suggested that France had allocated too much land to Algeria and too little to Morocco during the colonial era. He also asserted that the disputed Western Sahara has historical ties to Morocco.

Sansal was arrested after arriving in Algiers from Paris in November and has faced health issues during his detention, spending time in the hospital. His case has drawn significant attention and support from various intellectuals and political figures, including Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and French President Emmanuel Macron, who referred to Sansal's situation as "arbitrary detention" amidst existing health worries. This statement echoes calls for a resolution that could help mend relations between Algeria and France, which have been historically fraught.

Sansal's situation is now viewed as a focal point in the tumultuous relations between Algeria and France, with his supporters stating he has unintentionally become a pawn in the diplomatic struggles between the two nations. Algeria and France's relationship deteriorated further last year, particularly after France signaled its support for Morocco's claims related to Western Sahara, prompting Algeria to withdraw its ambassador from Paris.

In light of the court ruling, Sansal's lawyer has urged Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to exercise compassion toward the author. Known for his critical view of the Algerian government and his opposition to Islamism, Sansal's writings have attracted controversy. Critics label him a supporter of far-right viewpoints, while figures like Marine Le Pen have hailed him as a courageous advocate for liberty and a staunch opponent of radicalism.

Sansal, who has received acclaim for his notable works, including "2084," a critique of religious radicalism, is set to release his next novel, "Vivre," in May. This upcoming work narrates the plight of a group selected to colonize a new planet as Earth faces impending doom.