French Authorities Arrest Two Algerian TikTok Influencers Over Alleged Incitement to Violence

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French authorities have arrested two Algerian men with significant TikTok followings, accusing them of publishing content inciting violence. The arrests come amid heightened tensions between France and Algeria, driven by political discord over the Western Sahara conflict and the imprisonment of a French-Algerian novelist.

The men were detained separately—one in Brest, western France, and the other near Grenoble in the southeast—on charges related to urging violent acts. The arrests reflect increasing strain in Franco-Algerian relations, particularly over post-colonial disagreements.

Influencers Arrested Amid Allegations of Terror Incitement

Authorities confirmed the arrest of “Imad Tintin,” a 31-year-old blogger, outside Grenoble on Friday. The influencer allegedly posted a TikTok video encouraging followers to “burn alive, kill, and rape on French territory.” Although the video was removed, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the content as “vile” and vowed swift legal action. “Nothing will go unanswered,” Retailleau stated on social media. 

Imad Tintin, who entered France in 2021, had applied for residency in 2023 following his marriage to a French citizen. The application was denied, and he now faces an expulsion order. Authorities arrested him alongside his twin brother, uncovering evidence used to produce videos that garnered over 800,000 views. Prosecutors have not disclosed the twin’s legal status. 

Second Arrest Linked to Alleged Terror Advocacy

In Brest, prosecutors charged a 25-year-old identified as “Youcef A.,” also known online as “Zazou Youssef.” He allegedly posted videos on December 31 calling for violent acts in France and Algeria. Living on a temporary French residency permit, he now faces trial on February 24 for “publicly advocating an act of terrorism.” A conviction could lead to seven years in prison and a €100,000 fine. 

TikTok confirmed banning accounts linked to both influencers for violating policies against hate speech. 

The arrests coincide with France’s renewed support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a contested territory claimed by the Polisario Front separatists backed by Algeria. Algerian dissident Chawki Benzehra accused the Algerian regime of orchestrating social media campaigns to incite unrest, alleging the involvement of influencers like Imad Tintin and Zazou Youssef.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed concerns over Algeria’s commitment to a 2022 roadmap aimed at easing post-colonial tensions. Barrot criticized Algeria’s justification for detaining French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, imprisoned since November on national security charges, and voiced worries about the writer’s health.

The French government’s crackdown on online extremism underscores its broader strategy to address rising tensions with Algeria while maintaining domestic security. 

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