PARIS — On Friday, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed strong condemnation of Algeria’s actions, claiming the North African nation was “trying to humiliate France” following its refusal to accept an Algerian national being deported from France.
The individual in question, a social media influencer, was apprehended in Montpellier for allegedly inciting violence through his online content. French immigration authorities arranged for his flight to Algiers on Thursday; however, Algerian officials denied him entry, citing an existing ban on his admission to the country. Consequently, he was returned to France by the evening, according to the French interior ministry.
In the past few days, French law enforcement has arrested four other Algerian nationals identified as social media influencers, who are also accused of spreading violent messages via their online platforms, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Retailleau expressed his concern, stating, “I want to express my astonishment. It’s evident that we’ve reached an extremely worrying threshold with Algeria.” He further emphasized his belief that Algeria is intentionally trying to undermine France’s authority and dignity.
The relationship between France and Algeria is historically complex, stemming from Algeria’s struggle for independence from French colonial rule, which was achieved in 1962 after a protracted and violent war.
In addition to the influencer apprehended in Montpellier, two other Algerian influencers were taken into custody in Grenoble and Brest last week, while a female TikTok influencer was detained in Lyon on Thursday for allegedly issuing “death threats” against government opponents in Algeria.
“The propagation of hatred, including antisemitism and calls for violence, will not be tolerated,” Retailleau asserted. “The realm of social media must not be viewed as devoid of legal regulations.”
The minister also voiced his outrage over the continued detention of Boualem Sansal, a French-Algerian author critical of the Algerian government, who has been imprisoned since November. Retailleau described Sansal as “old and ill,” suggesting that his incarceration is unjustified.
Tensions escalated last July when France altered its longstanding stance concerning the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which angered Algeria and led to the withdrawal of its ambassador from Paris.
