Where the law stands, Dossier 2025/2512(RSP)
Case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria
Resolution on a topical subject (RSP): Parliament states its view. It is not binding. · First reading
A resolution tabled by political groups, usually on an urgent matter or in reaction to a statement by the Commission or Council. Not binding.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 23 January 2025. This is its final position on the matter.
- Tabled for plenary(done)
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 23 January 2025
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
23 January 2025 · decision 3
Foreign affairs, Resolution
Case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria
Adopted 533 for · 24 against · 48 abstained by an overwhelming majority
AI summary:The text calls on Algerian authorities to release Sansal and all those arbitrarily detained for expressing opinions, and to amend penal code articles to protect press freedom.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
No change of substance: the two versions differ only in presentation — cover page, numbering or the parts a report carries that the adopted text does not.
Tabled for plenary → Tabled for plenary
AI summary:The resolution now condemns the arrest of Sansal and other activists, calls for their release, and urges a medical mission. It also calls for review of repressive laws and links EU funding to progress on rule of law. The other changes are formal: updated numbering and references.
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 23 Jan 2025
AI summary:This resolution condemns the arrest and detention of Boualem Sansal and other activists, journalists, and human rights defenders in Algeria, and calls for their immediate release.
Tabled for plenary· 22 Jan 2025
Tabled for plenary· 20 Jan 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0089/2025
AI summary:The resolution calls on Algerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Boualem Sansal and all those detained for exercising freedom of expression, and to drop charges against journalists, human rights defenders and activists.
Tabled for plenary· 20 Jan 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0091/2025
AI summary:The resolution condemns the detention of writer Boualem Sansal and other prisoners of opinion in Algeria, and calls for their release and for legal reforms to protect freedom of expression.
Tabled for plenary· 20 Jan 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0092/2025
AI summary:This resolution condemns the arrest and detention of Boualem Sansal in Algeria and calls for his immediate release, as well as that of all other political prisoners.
Tabled for plenary· 20 Jan 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0087/2025
AI summary:This resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release and acquittal of Boualem Sansal and all others detained for exercising their rights to freedom of opinion and expression in Algeria.
Tabled for plenary· 20 Jan 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0093/2025
AI summary:This resolution condemns the imprisonment of Boualem Sansal and other dissidents in Algeria, and demands their immediate release and the dropping of charges against them.
Tabled for plenary· 20 Jan 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0088/2025
AI summary:This resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Boualem Sansal, a Franco-Algerian writer arrested in Algeria, and urges the EU to take actions against Algeria, including suspending funding and restricting visas.
Tabled for plenary· 20 Jan 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0090/2025
AI summary:A resolution on the case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria calls for his immediate release and expresses concern about discrimination against Christians and the closure of non-Muslim places of worship in Algeria.
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 3 steps
23 January 2025
Plenary vote
Sitting of 23 Jan 2025 Motion for a resolution B10-0087/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0088/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0089/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0090/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0091/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0092/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0093/2025Adopted text TA10-0005/2025
22 January 2025
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
Sitting of 22 Jan 2025 Motion for a resolution B10-0087/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0088/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0089/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0090/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0091/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0092/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0093/2025
22 January 2025
7 amendments tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2025/2512(RSP)