Rudolph Angler Six Algerian citizens residing in France are under investigation for allegedly inciting violence and hatred against Algerian government critics. The arrests and ongoing inquiries have further strained the already fragile relationship between France and Algeria.
Three Algerians were detained in France earlier this year for content shared on their social media accounts. On Thursday, French authorities arrested a Franco-Algerian TikToker. Additionally, two Franco-Algerian influencers, though not arrested, are being investigated for similar accusations. Authorities in Lyon announced these developments on Monday.
The six individuals are accused of using online platforms to promote violence against opponents of Algeria’s government. These actions have heightened diplomatic discord, which began last year when France backed Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, drawing Algeria’s disapproval.
France Accuses Algeria of Undermining Its Authority
One suspect, Boualem Naman, 59, a cleaner known as “Doualemn” online, was arrested on January 5 in Montpellier. French authorities allege Naman, who has 138,000 TikTok followers, posted a video calling for violence against an Algerian anti-government protester.
An analysis of the video, conducted by interpreters at the request of Montpellier prosecutors, revealed Naman advocated for the individual to be beaten, though reports of him saying “kill him” were proven inaccurate.
After his arrest, Naman was deported to Algiers on January 11, but Algerian authorities refused him entry, arguing that he had the right to defend himself in French courts. Naman was subsequently sent back to France, further escalating tensions.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau accused Algeria of attempting to humiliate France. He stated, “We’ve reached an extremely worrying threshold with Algeria.” Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by accusing France of conducting a “campaign of disinformation.” Naman’s legal team described him as a scapegoat in the ongoing diplomatic rift.
Historical Disputes and Political Fallout
Tensions between France and Algeria had been brewing well before the arrests. In 2024, President Emmanuel Macron’s administration reversed France’s stance on Western Sahara, endorsing Morocco’s claim to the disputed region. Algeria, a supporter of Sahrawi self-determination, opposed this move. Algeria severed ties with Morocco in 2021, accusing it of “hostile actions,” and recalled its ambassador from Paris in protest of France’s policy shift.
France’s efforts to bolster ties with Morocco have further alienated Algeria. Macron’s three-day visit to Morocco in October intensified the diplomatic strain. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, re-elected in September, announced he would not travel to France, having repeatedly delayed a state visit initially planned for May 2023.
Tebboune’s government has faced criticism for suppressing free expression, imprisoning journalists, and detaining pro-democracy activists. Recently, Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, a vocal critic of Tebboune’s administration, was jailed, prompting Macron to accuse Algeria of “disgracing itself.” These actions underscore the growing tensions and the deteriorating relationship between the two nations.