French Interior Minister Issues Warnings to Algeria Following Knife Attack

In the aftermath of a knife attack in Mulhouse, France, the Interior Minister has directed strong criticism towards Algeria for its repeated refusal to accept the return of the suspected assailant. The attack, which occurred in a busy area of the city, resulted in one fatality and several injuries, intensifying existing diplomatic tensions.

The minister, Bruno Retailleau, stated that the deportation of the 37-year-old suspect had been thwarted ten times due to the Algerian consulate's unwillingness to cooperate. Retailleau urged for a shift in France's approach towards Algeria, advocating for a significant reduction in visa grants and calling for the termination of the bilateral agreement established in 1968, which provides Algerian citizens with special privileges regarding entry and residency in France.

"France has made efforts to pursue reconciliation, but the response has been one of aggression," Retailleau remarked, suggesting that previous French administrations have been overly lenient in their dealings with the Algerian government.

The incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon when the suspect attacked municipal police officers in a public square while reportedly shouting religious phrases. A 69-year-old bystander, who attempted to intervene, lost his life in the assault. According to local authorities, two police officers sustained serious injuries, while three others were treated for minor wounds.

In the wake of the attack, the Anti-Terror Prosecutor's Office announced that three additional individuals had been taken into custody alongside the main suspect, although details regarding these arrests have not been disclosed.

The suspect, identified as Brahim A., is reported to have entered France illegally in 2014. He had previously been convicted for promoting terrorism in connection with events surrounding the Hamas attacks in Israel in October 2023, receiving a six-month prison sentence. Following his release, he was placed under house arrest instead of being deported, due to Algeria's refusal to accept him back.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack as an act of Islamist terrorism, expressing sorrow over the incident. Prime Minister François Bayrou echoed these sentiments, referring to the attack as a manifestation of fanaticism. Political figures across the spectrum, including far-right leaders, have criticized the state's handling of security and immigration, emphasizing the need for a more robust response to terrorism.

As the investigation continues, the French government faces mounting pressure to address both the implications of this attack and the broader issues of immigration and security in relation to Algeria.