Christophe Gleizes, who specializes in African football for Paris-based So Foot magazine, is imprisoned in Algeria serving a seven-year sentence for supporting terrorism. French journalists' unions have called on the Algerian government to release him.
On Monday before France's news conference at New Jersey New York Stadium, journalists held up scarves reading 'Free Gleizes' in protest. Empty seats are being left in the press box at every France World Cup match, with chairs also left empty at each news conference.
Gleizes' mother, Sylvie, traveled to the tournament to highlight her son's case. She told BBC Sport his accreditation was personally approved by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and that her son feels 'cut off' from the world.
During the news conference, journalist Vincent Duluc asked a question on behalf of Gleizes about hydration breaks. France manager Didier Deschamps replied: 'I hope for his sake and his family's that he can be here as soon as possible and ask his questions himself.'
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