The City of Saint-Raphaël is mobilizing for the writer Boualem Sansal

On March 22, Saint-Raphaël organized a rally in support of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, in partnership with the International Support Committee for Boualem Sansal founded by Arnaud Benedetti, editor-in-chief of the Revue politique et parlementaire. This Friday, June 20, the city of the Archangel reaffirms its support for the French-speaking author, winner of the Académie Française novel prize in 2015, currently imprisoned on the other side of the Mediterranean.

Today, Saint-Raphaël will take part in the "I read Sansal" campaign, initiated by Arnaud Benedetti and Cannes Mayor David Lisnard (also president of the Association of Mayors of France). "This campaign aims to mobilize local authorities and citizens in support of the writer arbitrarily detained by the Algerian regime since November 16, 2024," reads a statement sent by the municipality to the editorial staff of Var-matin.

"Four days before its appeal trial, the City calls on the people of Saint-Raphaël to show their solidarity by sharing the attached image and using the hashtag #JeLisSansal on social media and by participating in the operations organized by the City." The municipality specifies that "Saint-Raphaël is the first city in the Var to join the operation."

Public readings and monumental fresco

During the day, a message of support will be displayed on the town hall and the following actions will be implemented:

- Public readings of excerpts from the writer's works will be offered by librarians.

- A literary walk will take place at the archaeological museum at 10:30 a.m. (free entry).

- A monumental portrait of the writer (2x3 meters) will be created on rue du Safranié.

- With the agreement of the National Education system, readings will take place in the city's schools, middle schools and high schools, encouraging young people to reflect on freedom, memory and resistance.

- Local bookstores (Librairie Parisienne and Papeterie Nouvelle) will highlight the author in their windows, with messages of support.

Other long-term actions will help to sustain the mobilization (such as, for example, the distribution of quotes on municipal materials visible at the Town Hall, the cultural center, the convention center and the Bonaparte parking lot.

"Boualem Sansal is simply paying the price for his determination to think freely in a country that is a dictatorship," says Saint-Raphaël Mayor Frédéric Masquelier. "His arbitrary imprisonment by the Algerian regime is an offense. His crime in the eyes of Algiers? Being an intellectual, a writer, a Frenchman, a free man. And that is precisely why it is our duty to make his voice heard."

Finally, on Saturday, March 22, at 6:59 p.m., the convention center will host a large support rally (free registration at the Cultural Center reception, by phone at 04 98 11 89 00 or by email at the following address: [email protected]).