Kamel Daoud sentenced to three years for award-winning book Houris

French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud says he has been sentenced to three years in prison in Algeria for his book “Houris.” The novel, which won France’s top literary award in 2024, focuses on victims of Algeria’s “black decade.” This conflict began in 1991 when the military canceled elections after Islamists won the first round.

Daoud announced on Wednesday that the verdict was delivered on Tuesday.

He said that he was also fined $38,000.

He said he was convicted under Algeria’s Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, which punishes public mention of the civil war.

Daoud criticized the law for targeting writers.