PARIS (AP, Le Monde) — Tensions between France and Algeria escalated this week, with French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau accusing Algeria of "trying to humiliate France" in light of recent incidents involving attempted deportations of social media influencers. This diplomatic strain has further intensified as the North African nation refused to accept a deported individual accused of inciting violence through social media.

On Thursday, Algerian officials denied entry to an influencer who had been arrested in Montpellier, prompting a swift and critical response from Retailleau, who stated, “It’s clear that Algeria is trying to humiliate France.” This statement underscores the ongoing issues between the two countries, which share a fraught history dating back to Algeria’s independence from French colonial rule in 1962.

Retailleau remarked, “We have reached an extremely worrying threshold with Algeria. It’s out of the question to allow these individuals to spread hatred and anti-Semitism.” In recent days, French authorities have arrested four Algerian nationals alleged to be spreading incitement through various platforms, including TikTok. One notable case involves a French-Algerian influencer whose inflammatory remarks led to his detention and subsequent deportation attempt, only to be sent back to France because of Algeria’s rejection.

Among the arrested is Sofia Benlemmane, a prominent Franco-Algerian influencer accused of disseminating hate messages and threats against Algerian government opponents. Additionally, another influencer known as “Zazou Youssef” faces terrorism-related charges linked to previous posts on social media. A female TikTok user has also been implicated, further demonstrating the volatile climate for social media engagement between the two nations.

Amid these tensions, Retailleau also highlighted the ongoing detention of Boualem Sansal, a Franco-Algerian writer, who remains imprisoned in Algeria under national security allegations. Retailleau described Sansal's condition, stating, “Can a great country, a great people, allow itself to keep in detention someone who is old and sick, for the wrong reasons?” His comments reflect a broader concern over human rights and freedom of speech in the region.

As the two nations navigate this intricate and troubled relationship, Retailleau signaled a potential policy shift, stating that France may “consider all the means we have at our disposal with regards to Algeria.” The ramifications of these developments could mark a significant chapter in Franco-Algerian relations, potentially leading to heightened diplomatic confrontations and further unrest.

Read more from AP News and Le Monde.