Algeria Expresses Outrage Over Arrest of Consular Official in France

Algeria has formally lodged a protest with France following the pre-trial detention of an Algerian consular official, who is accused of involvement in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a well-known TikTok influencer. This incident has escalated tensions between the two nations, which have a complex and often strained historical relationship.

French authorities have charged three individuals, including the consular official, with crimes related to the abduction, arbitrary detention, and illegal confinement, as well as links to a terrorist enterprise. Boukhors, recognized on social media as 'Amir DZ,' is a prominent figure with over a million followers and has been an outspoken critic of the Algerian government.

Having lived in France since 2016, Boukhors was granted political asylum in 2023 after reportedly being abducted in April 2024; he was released the following day. The Algerian government has labeled him a 'saboteur connected to terrorist groups,' reflecting its disapproval of his activities.

In response to the detention of its consular officer, Algeria has condemned the action as politically motivated and is demanding his immediate release. The Algerian Foreign Ministry stated that the arrest was executed without prior notification through diplomatic channels and was based solely on the claim that the official's mobile phone was traced near Boukhors' residence.

The ministry communicated a strong protest to French Ambassador Stephane Romatet, warning that this incident could severely jeopardize Algerian-French relations and asserting that Algeria will not let the matter go without repercussions.

This development comes at a time when relations between Algeria and France had shown signs of improvement. A recent phone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had raised hopes for a thaw in relations. However, previous tensions, such as Macron's acknowledgment of an autonomy plan for Western Sahara under Moroccan control and calls for the release of French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, have continued to strain the diplomatic landscape.

As both nations navigate this turbulent episode, the potential for further diplomatic fallout remains high, with both sides expressing entrenched positions on the matter.