Algeria has ordered 12 staff members of the French embassy to leave the country within 48 hours, according to French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barott. This decision is linked to the charges against three French-Algerians who are accused of aiding Amir Boukhors, a prominent critic of the Algerian government currently living in France. Boukhors, also known as Amir DZ, has amassed a significant online following and was granted exile in France in 2023 after facing legal issues in Algeria.
Barott urged Algerian authorities to reconsider the expulsion, warning of a swift French response if the expulsion proceeds. The tensions reflect broader issues in the Franco-Algerian relationship, including political friction within France itself, where some right-wing figures are critical of President Macron’s approach to Algeria. Algeria has also accused influencers of being connected to terrorist groups, particularly targeting Boukhors, who has faced multiple attacks and legal challenges.
The diplomatic spat follows a recent attempt to mend relations between the two nations, which have been strained over various incidents, including the arrest of a French-Algerian author. Algeria’s foreign ministry summoned the French ambassador in response to what it described as strong protests over the allegations against Algerian nationals. The minister emphasized that this surge in tensions is aimed at obstructing the improvement of bilateral relations that had been discussed in previous high-level exchanges.
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