Third Algerian Influencer Arrested in France for Inciting Violence on Social Media

A third Algerian influencer, known as Doualemn, was arrested in France on Sunday for making violent remarks on social media, as reported by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. This arrest follows the detentions of two other influencers, Zazou Youcef and Imad Tintin, who are also facing charges related to promoting terrorism and inciting violence.

Background of the Arrests

Doualemn, who has a following of 138,000 on TikTok and resides in Montpellier, allegedly posted a video calling for violence against an anti-regime Algerian protester. The mayor of Montpellier and the local prefect had previously flagged this video to judicial authorities. In his statements, Doualemn specifically targeted individuals planning to protest against the Algerian regime on January 1, expressing a desire for harm against a young activist linked to a person named Cohen who shared his video. This incident has raised alarms about the increasing antisemitism within Algeria, noted by activist Chawki Benzehra.

Statements from Officials

Mayor Michaël Delafosse emphasized the seriousness of the situation by stating that "incitement to hatred is a crime," and that the video in question leaves no room for doubt regarding its intent. The local authorities acted under the Penal Code to report these incidents to ensure accountability for such inflammatory content.

Context of Growing Tensions

The arrests occur amid heightened political tensions between France and Algeria, particularly following France's support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This backdrop has intensified scrutiny on social media influencers who may be leveraging their platforms to incite violence or promote extremist views.

Zazou Youcef and Imad Tintin were previously detained for similar offenses: Youcef is accused of advocating for terrorist acts, while Tintin allegedly made threats of extreme violence against those opposing the Algerian regime. Both cases are part of a broader crackdown on hate speech and incitement to violence within France's borders.

As these events unfold, French authorities continue to monitor social media activity closely to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety.