Tensions Escalate as Algeria Expels French Embassy Staff Amid Indictments
In a significant diplomatic escalation, Algeria has ordered 12 staff members of the French embassy to leave the country within 48 hours, a move attributed to recent legal actions taken against three Algerians in France. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that this measure is linked to the indictment of these individuals, one of whom is a consular official. They face serious charges, including their involvement in the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a well-known critic of the Algerian government and a prominent social media figure who was granted asylum in France earlier this year.
Boukhors, also recognized as Amir DZ, has lived in France since 2016 and was reportedly granted political asylum earlier in 2023 after he was abducted in April 2024 in the southern suburbs of Paris. His lawyer, Eric Plouvier, stated that Boukhors was taken by individuals posing as police officers and was released the following day. This incident is not isolated; Boukhors has survived two serious attacks in the past, showcasing the escalating threats against him.
The Algerian government has issued nine international arrest warrants against Boukhors, alleging offenses ranging from fraud to connections with terrorist organizations. He has denied all allegations, and in a precedent set in 2022, French courts refused his extradition to Algeria, highlighting the politicized nature of the accusations.
The current tensions are reflective of a broader rift between France and Algeria, exacerbated by several incidents over the past year. Notably, French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal was imprisoned in Algeria under similar allegations of undermining national integrity. Additionally, Algeria recalled its ambassador from Paris following France's support of Morocco’s claims to Western Sahara, further straining relations.
The 12 French officials facing deportation include members of the French interior ministry. Minister Barrot has publicly appealed to the Algerian authorities to reconsider their expulsion order, threatening immediate consequences if the decision remains unchanged. He emphasized, 'If the decision to send back our officials is maintained, we will have no other choice but to respond immediately.'
In a reciprocal response, Algeria’s foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador, Stephane Romatet, to express its strong protest against the actions taken by France regarding the Algerians. The ministry condemned the arrests and emphasized that they were not coincidental but rather an attempt to end the efforts to restore bilateral relations.
Attempts to repair relations had been underway, including a recent phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun in March, which was characterized as frank and friendly. However, with the current diplomatic crisis unfolding, the path toward mending ties could prove to be significantly obstructed.
This escalating situation serves as an important reminder of the complex history and ongoing tensions between Algeria and France, with both nations navigating a labyrinth of diplomatic challenges that have historical roots and contemporary implications.
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