PARIS (AP) — Writer Kamel Daoud, who holds both French and Algerian citizenship, revealed Wednesday that Algeria has handed him a three-year prison term for his novel “Houris,” which earned France’s highest literary honor.
The author, currently residing in France, shared the news on X that the court decision came down Tuesday. He also disclosed receiving a fine of 5 million Algerian dinars, equivalent to approximately $38,000.
“Houris” (translated as “Virgins”) examines those who suffered during Algeria’s “black decade,” a period when tens of thousands lost their lives as government forces battled Islamic militants. The violence began in 1991 when Islamist parties secured victory in the initial round of parliamentary elections, leading the military-supported government to halt the second voting round.
The novel received the Goncourt Prize, France’s most coveted literary recognition, in 2024.
According to Daoud, his conviction stems from Algeria’s Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, legislation passed through referendum in 2005 that provided broad amnesty to both Islamic fighters and government security personnel.
“The text punishes any public mention of the civil war,” Daoud stated. “Ten years of war, nearly 200,000 dead according to estimates, thousands of terrorists granted amnesty … and only one guilty party: a writer.”
Beyond the court proceedings in Oran, Algeria, Daoud faces two international arrest warrants that Algeria issued in May 2025 and potential loss of his Algerian citizenship.
Fellow French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal has encountered comparable difficulties.
Sansal — whose writings have challenged Islam, colonialism and current Algerian leadership — received conviction for undermining national unity and insulting government institutions, earning a five-year prison term under Algeria’s terrorism legislation.
Following intervention by Germany’s president, he obtained humanitarian clemency in Algeria and returned to France last year after completing one year behind bars.
