French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed the arrest of Algerian influencer Rafik M. on Wednesday morning for inciting violence on TikTok.
The arrest comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria, with several Algerian influencers detained in recent weeks for controversial content.
Retailleau posted on social media, “Do not let anything slide,” echoing a similar message after the arrest of another influencer, Mahdi B., on January 16, who was later sentenced and incarcerated.
The French government has not disclosed the location of Rafik M.’s arrest. Relations between France and Algeria have been strained over issues such as the Western Sahara and the detention of Franco-Algerian author Boualem Sansal. Tensions have further deepened with the controversial arrest of another influencer, “Doualemn,” who was deported from Algeria to France after a TikTok video. Retailleau accused Algeria of attempting to “humiliate France” with the deportation.
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