Arrests of Algerian Influencers Spark Controversy in France
Police in France have detained three Algerian men, described as social media influencers, for allegedly posting videos that incite violence.
The arrests come amid strained relations between France and Algeria, a former colony in North Africa.
Arrests Announced by French Authorities
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the latest arrest on Sunday evening, involving an influencer in Montpellier. 
Authorities accused him of posting anti-Semitic content to his 138,000 followers on TikTok. Two other arrests were made in Grenoble and Brest earlier in the week.
Renewed Strains Between France and Algeria
The arrests occur against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between France and Algeria. Last July, France shifted its longstanding stance on the Western Sahara dispute, angering Algeria and prompting the withdrawal of its ambassador from Paris.
Meanwhile, France has criticized Algeria for detaining French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal since November.
Influencers Face Terror-Related Charges
The first influencer, a 25-year-old with over 400,000 TikTok followers, was detained in Brest on Friday. He faces trial on February 24 on charges of expressing support for terrorism, punishable by up to seven years in prison.
During questioning, he admitted to creating Arabic-language videos calling for acts of terror targeting opponents of Algeria’s government.
The second arrest, announced Friday evening, involved an influencer in Grenoble. He faces similar charges of inciting terrorism and will remain in detention until his trial on March 5.
Details of the third arrest in Montpellier remain unclear, as local prosecutors have yet to provide additional information.
France’s Call for Improved Relations with Algeria
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that France seeks better relations with Algeria.
However, he expressed concerns over Algeria’s commitment to agreements signed in 2022, which aimed to rebuild trust between the two nations.
Broader Implications for France-Algeria Relations
France’s actions against these influencers come at a time when accusations of neo-colonialism and tensions over migration policies continue to strain the relationship with Algeria.
Observers see the arrests as both a legal and political issue, further complicating an already fragile dynamic.
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