Key facts
- Lawrence, Kansas, has formed a strong bond with Algeria's national soccer team during the World Cup.
- Algerian authorities are accused of cracking down on protests, social media, and public dissent.
- French journalist Christophe Gleizes has been detained and sentenced for 'advocacy of terrorism'.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino has appealed for clemency for Gleizes.
- Algeria's national team is competing in the World Cup, with its next match against Jordan.
The small college town of Lawrence, Kansas, has developed a unique and warm relationship with Algeria's national soccer team as it participates in the World Cup. Hundreds of residents welcomed the team at the airport, and local artist Stan Herd created a large Algerian flag. The town's marching band even learned the Algerian national anthem. This heartwarming connection, however, is juxtaposed with serious human rights concerns in Algeria itself.
Human rights advocates report that Algerian authorities have intensified crackdowns on protests, social media, and public dissent. A prominent example is the detention of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who faces charges of 'advocacy of terrorism' and 'possessing propaganda harmful to national interests'—charges critics deem fabricated. Gleizes was investigating the death of Algerian soccer player Albert Ebosse when he was detained. His appeal was rejected, a case described by Reporters Without Borders as 'unfounded and outrageous.'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly called for Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to grant clemency to Gleizes, symbolically leaving a seat open for him at World Cup matches. Gleizes' parents have also appealed to President Tebboune for his release. Despite his detention, Gleizes has continued to try and perform his journalistic duties, with colleagues asking questions on his behalf during press conferences.
Meanwhile, the Algerian team, known as Les Fennecs, is focused on its World Cup campaign. After a 3-0 loss to Argentina, the team faces Jordan in a crucial Group J match. Algeria has qualified for the tournament five times but has never advanced past the round of 16, and there is pressure to perform well in this year's competition.