Lawyer Fatima Zahra Ben Brahim announced that she has filed an official complaint against Franco-Algerian author Kamel Daoud on behalf of her client, Saâda Arabane. Arabane accuses Daoud of publishing her life story in his novel “Houris”, without her consent. The complaint has been registered at the Oran court, Ben Brahim confirmed during a press conference on Thursday.
Ben Brahim provided evidence supporting her client’s claim, including a tattoo on Saâda Arabane’s back that matches a description in the novel, as well as medical testimonies from Daoud’s wife, a psychologist who treated Arabane. The psychologist allegedly shared Arabane’s medical file with her husband.
Additionally, Ben Brahim revealed that Arabane had previously rejected an offer from Daoud to publish her story and adapt it into a television show for compensation. Despite this, Daoud proceeded with publishing the novel, disregarding the impact on Arabane, who considers herself a victim of terrorism.
The National Organization for Terrorism Victims has also filed a complaint against Daoud. Arabane, in a report aired on One TV, stated that the novel “Houris” is a direct account of her real-life story, contrary to Daoud’s claims. She explained that she had never met Daoud personally, though she had been treated by his wife, the psychologist.
