Algeria has expelled 12 French diplomats in response to the arrest of an Algerian consular official by French security forces last week. The Algerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement defending its decision, accusing French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau of violating its sovereignty and reigniting a diplomatic crisis between the two nations.
The ministry condemned the arrest of the Algerian consular official on April 8, calling it a serious violation of diplomatic norms. It also held Retailleau accountable for the damage to bilateral relations, warning that any further violations would prompt a “firm and appropriate” retaliatory response.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot explained that the expulsion followed the arrest of three Algerian nationals, including the consular official, who were implicated in the kidnapping of social media influencer Amir Boukhors in Paris. French prosecutors have charged three Algerians in connection with Boukhors’ abduction in April 2024.
Algeria had previously criticized France for not acting on its requests to extradite Boukhors, who is accused of criminal activity in Algeria.
