Mon Apr 14 09:00:33 UTC 2025: ## France and Algeria in Diplomatic Row After Expulsions
**Paris, April 14, 2025** – Diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria escalated sharply today after Algeria expelled 12 French officials, including members of the French Interior Ministry. The expulsions, announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, are a direct response to the arrest and indictment of three Algerian nationals in France, including a consular official.
The three Algerians face charges related to the April 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, an Algerian influencer and opponent of the Algerian government residing in France. Boukhors, who has over a million TikTok followers, was granted political asylum in France in 2023. He was abducted in a Paris suburb and released the following day.
Algeria, which has issued nine international arrest warrants for Boukhors on charges of fraud and terrorism, is demanding his extradition. The French indictment of the three Algerians is seen by Algiers as an attempt to undermine recent efforts to improve relations between the two countries.
Minister Barrot condemned the expulsions, stating that if the measure is not reversed, France will retaliate immediately. The situation marks a significant setback in Franco-Algerian relations, highlighting the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the legacy of French colonialism and the complexities of modern diplomatic relations.
First Piper 