Ballon d'Or ceremony raises case of French sports journalist jailed in Algeria

The Ballon d'Or ceremony in London highlighted the case of Christophe Gleizes, a French journalist imprisoned in Algeria for over a year. Presenters dedicated the event to him, displaying a message calling for his release. Gleizes was arrested while reporting on a football club linked to a separatist movement and accused of terrorism-related offenses. His case has drawn attention from organizations like Reporters Without Borders, which argues his contacts were journalistic. The Algerian authorities have not commented on the ceremony's tribute. A solidarity football match is planned to mark his 500th day in detention, amid broader concerns about press freedom in Algeria.