Kamel Daoud Sentenced to Prison for His Novel "Houris"

French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud has been sentenced to three years in prison in Algeria for his novel "Houris," which received the prestigious Goncourt Prize in 2024. The verdict, announced on social media, also includes a fine of 5 million Algerian dinars (approximately $38,000). Daoud, who resides in France, stated that he was convicted under the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, a law enacted in 2005 that prohibits public discussion of Algeria's civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002 and resulted in nearly 200,000 deaths.

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Daoud's conviction is rooted in the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, which was designed to promote national unity by granting amnesty to both armed groups and security forces involved in the civil conflict. He criticized the law, stating, “The text punishes any public mention of the civil war… and only one guilty party: a writer.” In addition to the prison sentence, Daoud faces two international arrest warrants issued by Algeria in May 2025 and risks losing his Algerian nationality.

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"Houris" narrates the story of Aube, a young girl who survives a terrorist attack in her village. The novel has sparked controversy, particularly following accusations from Algerian woman Saâda Arbane, who claims Daoud used her personal story without permission. Arbane has publicly stated that Daoud and his wife sought her consent multiple times, which she denied, describing the situation as an invasion of her privacy. A collective of lawyers has formed to support Arbane, invoking the same legal provisions that led to Daoud's conviction.

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Daoud's sentencing has drawn attention to the broader implications for freedom of expression in Algeria. Critics argue that the legal actions against Daoud and similar cases, such as that of fellow writer Boualem Sansal, illustrate a pattern of suppressing dissenting voices in the country. Sansal was previously sentenced to five years in prison for undermining national unity and insulting public institutions but was granted a humanitarian pardon after serving one year.

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In response to the sentencing, Daoud expressed his dismay at being targeted for his literary work, emphasizing the absurdity of punishing a writer in the context of a historical narrative that remains sensitive in Algeria. He highlighted the paradox of a law meant to foster reconciliation that instead silences artistic expression.

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• “The text punishes any public mention of the civil war,” — Kamel Daoud, Author

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• “Kamel Daoud and his wife asked for my permission to use my story, and I refused every time,” — Saâda Arbane, Accuser

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The situation surrounding Kamel Daoud's sentencing continues to evolve, with potential international implications as his case garners attention from human rights advocates and literary communities worldwide. Further developments may arise as Daoud navigates the legal challenges posed by the Algerian government.

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