TIZI OUZOU, Algeria (AP) — An Algerian appeals court upheld Wednesday a seven-year prison sentence for a French sports writer convicted of “glorifying terrorism,” quashing hopes for an early release.

Christophe Gleizes was sentenced six months ago over an interview with a soccer official accused of ties to a banned separatist movement. He was convicted of violating Algeria’s anti-terrorism laws and possessing publications intended for propaganda, in a case lambasted by rights groups and French media.

A spokesperson for France’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement it regretted the rejection of Gleizes’ appeal and called for his release. “France reaffirms its attachment to freedom of the press everywhere in the world,” they said.

In Tizi Ouzou’s Court of Appeals, Gleizes pleaded guilty,

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