Six Algerians in France are under investigation for allegedly inciting hatred and violence against Algerian government critics, worsening tensions between Algiers and Paris.
French authorities arrested three Algerians earlier this year for content shared on social media, followed by the detention of a Franco-Algerian TikToker last Thursday. Two other Franco-Algerian influencers are also being investigated but have not been arrested, according to Lyon authorities.
The individuals are accused of using online platforms to incite violence against opponents of Algeria’s government. These cases have further strained relations between France and Algeria, which began souring last year after France supported Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara.
France-Algeria Relations Reach Breaking Point
Among the accused is 59-year-old Boualem Naman, known as “Doualemn,” who was arrested in Montpellier on January 5.
Naman, a cleaner with 138,000 TikTok followers, allegedly posted a video in Arabic encouraging violence against an Algerian anti-government protester. While interpreters confirmed he suggested the man be “beaten,” they clarified he did not use the phrase “kill him,” as previously reported.
Naman was deported to Algiers last Thursday, but Algeria refused to admit him. Algerian officials argued that Naman, a resident of France for 36 years, had the right to defend himself in a French court. He was sent back to France that evening, sparking further controversy.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau accused Algeria of “trying to humiliate France,” calling the situation “extremely concerning.” Algeria’s Foreign Ministry dismissed these claims, accusing Paris of “spreading disinformation.”
Naman’s lawyers, Jean-Baptiste Mousset and Marie David-Bellouard, stated their client is a “scapegoat” in a fraught political and diplomatic conflict.
Historical Tensions and Recent Diplomatic Fallout
Relations between France and Algeria had already started to deteriorate before these arrests.
In 2024, President Emmanuel Macron’s government shifted its stance on Western Sahara, backing Morocco’s claim to the region. This decision angered Algeria, which supports Sahrawi self-determination. Algeria severed ties with Morocco in 2021, citing “hostile actions.”
In protest, Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris. Efforts by France to strengthen ties with Morocco, including Macron’s October visit, deepened the rift.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, re-elected in September, canceled a state visit to France initially planned for May 2023. Tebboune has faced international criticism for repressing dissent in Algeria, including imprisoning journalists and activists.
Last week, President Macron condemned Algeria for jailing 75-year-old writer Boualem Sansal, a prominent critic of Tebboune’s government, further straining relations between the two nations.