Boualem Sansal, the 81-year-old Franco-Algerian writer, was released by Algeria after being detained for a year.He received a pardon and a five-year sentence for "undermining national unity" due to comments made to French media.Sansal arrived in Berlin on Wednesday evening for medical treatment, expressing that he is "doing quite well" despite his confinement, which he described as extremely strict.He is expected to return to France early next week, though he may remain in Berlin longer for medical tests related to his prostate cancer.A source indicated he is "euphoric" about his pardon and is currently in a military hospital in Berlin.Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions, Sansal remains hopeful for improved relations between France and Algeria, stating, "I hope that relations between France and Algeria will evolve thanks to Germany and our diplomacy.I have good hopes."In a message to the French people, he said, "Hello France, Boualem is back, we are going to win!"His release has sparked optimism regarding the case of Christophe Gleizes, a 36-year-old French journalist serving a seven-year sentence in Algeria for his reporting.Gleizes, detained since May 2024 at Tizi-Ouzou prison alongside Sansal, retains hope despite his difficult circumstances.Following Sansal's release, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed a desire to discuss topics of mutual interest with Algeria.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised Sansal's release as a significant message against hardline policies and criticized recent opinions that undermine diplomatic efforts.Barrot stressed the importance of diplomatic work undertaken since early 2025 to free around ten French citizens detained abroad, including Gleizes.French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez indicated a likely visit to Algeria soon, marking an important step amid ongoing diplomatic tensions caused by previous incidents, such as France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.