Three Algerian influencers detained in France for promoting violence through social media, facing terrorism-related charges | X
Paris: In a series of recent events, three Algerian social media influencers were detained in France, with their trials set for different dates—January 6 and February 24. One influencer faces charges of “incitement to terrorism,” while another is accused of “publicly justifying an act of terrorism.” A third influencer was arrested on Sunday for promoting violence.
On the third consecutive day of arrests, French Home Minister Bruno Retailleau reported the detention of yet another Algerian influencer living in France. The individual, known online as “Doualemn,” resides in Montpellier, in southern France.
He posted a video in which he urged violence against an Algerian protester opposing the regime. The mayor and prefect of Montpellier alerted the courts about the video, which included the statement, “Kill him, let him suffer.” Following this, local authorities initiated an investigation, and the influencer now faces charges of public incitement to violence.
On Friday morning, Youcef A., who goes by the name Zazou Youssef on social media, was arrested in Brest, a city in western France. The 25-year-old posted a video the previous day, calling for attacks in both France and Algeria. With hundreds of thousands of followers, Youcef wields significant online influence. He is currently in custody pending his trial, scheduled for February 24.
Youcef A. has a criminal background, having been convicted of theft in January 2023 and sentenced in December 2023 to a year in prison for “aggravated damage” linked to the June 2023 riots.
These riots followed the death of 17-year-old Nahel, who was of Algerian and Moroccan descent, shot by a French police officer. Originally from the Algerian city of Mostaganem, Youcef is under an Order to Leave French Territory and has been placed on France’s Wanted Persons List.
On Friday evening, another Algerian influencer, known as “Imad Tintin,” was taken into custody in Echirolles, near Grenoble, for posting a chilling video in which he advocated for extreme violence, including calls for “burning alive, killing, and raping on French soil.”
The video, which has over 800,000 views, led to a search of his home, where authorities discovered the props used in the filming. Imad, believed to be an ally of Youcef A., has been placed under judicial supervision and will face trial this Monday for “direct incitement to terrorism.” Like Youcef, Imad is also under an Order to Leave French Territory.
Youcef A. and Imad Tintin are reportedly part of a broader movement linked to the Algerian government, which allegedly mobilizes influencers to promote violence. Chawki Benzehra, an Algerian opposition figure who fled to France after participating in pro-democracy protests in 2019, spoke with Agence France Presse (AFP) about the situation, calling it part of “a war waged in France by the Algerian regime.” Benzehra also filed a complaint in Lyon after receiving threats from Imad Tintin.
The penalties for the charges faced by Youcef A. and Imad Tintin are severe. If convicted, they face up to seven years in prison and a fine of €100,000 for “directly inciting terrorism” or “publicly supporting terrorism.” These penalties align with Article 421-2-5 of the French Penal Code, which prescribes a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a €75,000 fine.
