Christophe Gleizes’ family plead for pardon as mother writes to Tebboune and PSG chief | OneFootball

The family of Christophe Gleizes, the 36-year-old journalist handed a seven-year sentence in Algeria for apology for terrorism, are stepping up a public appeal for his release.

According to L'Équipe, his mother, Sylvie Godard, has written to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to request clemency, saying she set out a mother’s distress and appealed to his humanity.

Gleizes was placed under judicial control with a travel ban in May 2024, then jailed in Tizi-Ouzou in June. His sentence was upheld on appeal in early December. The family keep their Sunday routine centred on football.

They have also asked PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi for help, and say Emmanuel Macron told them he would do everything he could to secure release. Reporters Without Borders are assisting as media requests grow.

Gleizes travelled on a tourist visa to report on JS Kabylie. His family say police followed him on arrival and that he became caught up in strained relations between France and Algeria. They add the MAK issue is highly sensitive and was underestimated.

He now shares a cell with a young Malian, teaches him French and plays chess, but has lost weight. Relatives describe acceptable conditions yet poor hygiene, limited food and isolation. He hopes for a presidential pardon while a cassation appeal is pending. His mother keeps a daily diary to give him upon his release.

Source: L'Équipe