Algerian-French author Kamel Daoud has been sentenced to five years in prison in Algeria for his novel "Houris", which won the prestigious 2024 Goncourt Prize. Daoud and his wife, Aïcha Dahdouh, a psychiatrist, were convicted in absentia, as they reside in France. The couple was found guilty of disclosing professional secrets, withholding a medical file, and invading privacy. The court in Oran also imposed a fine of 300,000 dinars, approximately 2,000 euros, on both defendants.
The case revolves around Daoud's novel "Houris", which Saâda Arbane claims uses elements of her personal story. Arbane, a survivor of a massacre during Algeria's dark decade, had been treated by Dahdouh for several years. Daoud disputes these allegations. In an interview with Casbah Tribune, Dahdouh stated that she had never breached medical confidentiality and had not shared Arbane's medical file with her husband. She also mentioned that the two families had a friendly relationship and that Arbane knew Daoud before the novel's publication.
Dahdouh revealed that she and Daoud are currently engaged in divorce proceedings. The case has also led to a separate lawsuit in France, where Daoud was acquitted in September 2026 of defamation charges brought by Arbane. The Paris court ruled that Daoud's statements did not identify Arbane. However, this decision did not address allegations related to the use of Arbane's personal story in "Houris".
The Goncourt Prize, one of France's most esteemed literary awards, was bestowed upon Daoud in 2024 for his novel "Houris". The book has sparked controversy and debate, with some critics praising its literary merit and others questioning its alleged connections to real-life events. Daoud's sentencing has raised concerns about artistic freedom and the relationship between literature and reality.
Algeria has a complex history of literary censorship and prosecution, with many authors and intellectuals facing persecution for their work. Daoud's case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by writers in the country and the need for greater protection of artistic expression. The international literary community has expressed concern over the verdict, with many authors and publishers calling for Daoud's sentence to be overturned.
The case has also highlighted the complexities of cultural and artistic expression in Algeria, where the government has historically exerted significant control over the media and literary landscape. Daoud's novel "Houris" has been praised for its nuanced exploration of Algerian society, but its publication has also sparked tensions and debates about the limits of artistic freedom.
As the case continues to unfold, many are watching to see how the Algerian authorities will respond to international pressure and criticism from the literary community. Daoud's sentencing has sparked a renewed debate about the role of literature in society and the importance of protecting artistic expression.
Key points
- Kamel Daoud was sentenced to five years in prison in Algeria for his novel "Houris", which won the 2024 Goncourt Prize.
- The case revolves around allegations that Daoud used elements of Saâda Arbane's personal story in his novel without her consent.
- The verdict has raised concerns about artistic freedom and the relationship between literature and reality in Algeria.
