An Algerian court sentenced French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal on Thursday to five years in jail for undermining national unity, drawing an expression of 'regret' from France, which called for a swift and dignified end to the situation.

French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal is facing five years in prison after a judge found him guilty of undermining national unity.

The prosecution of Boualem Sansal, who is around 80, prompted outrage from the global literary community and pleas from France for his release.