France Arrests Algerian Influencer Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions with Algeria
Ongoing arrests of Algerian influencers in France fuel escalating disputes between Paris and Algiers, highlighting strained relations over controversial issues..
Watan-French authorities on Wednesday morning arrested another Algerian influencer accused of calling for “acts of violence on French soil” through the TikTok platform, according to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. This marks a new escalation in the diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers.
Since the beginning of January, France has initiated legal proceedings against several Algerian influencers on social media, as well as a French-Algerian woman residing in France, over statements alleged to “incite hatred.”
While the French Interior Minister did not specify where influencer “Rafik K.” was detained on Wednesday morning, he concluded his message on the social media platform “X” by stating, “We will not tolerate anything,” echoing his stance from January 16 when he announced the arrest of Algerian influencer “Mehdi B.,” who was convicted and imprisoned.
Relations between Paris and Algiers have been complex for decades, but tensions have worsened since July when President Macron angered Algeria by endorsing an autonomy plan for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
Sansal and Dolamene
Tensions further escalated after France arrested several Algerian influencers and rejected Algeria’s demands to release French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who has been detained in Algeria since mid-November.
The situation intensified with the arrest of Algerian influencer Naaman Boualem, known as “Dolamene,” following the release of a controversial video on TikTok. He was deported to Algeria on January 9 but was sent back to France the same day by Algerian authorities. France extended his detention on January 12 for an additional 26 days.
In a previous statement, the French Interior Minister said Algeria’s decision to send “Dolamene” back to Paris was intended to “humiliate France.” He proposed measures—rejected by the French government—to reduce the number of visas issued to Algerian citizens and increase tariffs on Algerian imports.
In response, Algeria denied what it described as “the claims of the far-right in France and its representatives.” Algeria stated that it “has not engaged in any escalation, bidding, or humiliation,” accusing the French far-right of waging a disinformation campaign against Algeria.
