PARIS — A significant police operation in France has led to the arrest of three Algerian men identified as social media influencers, accused of disseminating videos that purportedly incite violence. This crackdown is unfolding against a backdrop of increasingly fraught relations between France and Algeria, a former colony.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau publicly confirmed the arrests, which occurred in various cities including Montpellier, the Alpine city of Grenoble, and the port city of Brest. These incidents have taken place over a span of three days, with the latest announcement made on the evening of January 5. The minister noted that one of the influencers had amassed around 138,000 followers on TikTok and allegedly posted anti-Semitic content deemed harmful by French authorities (AP).

The influences of political tensions are palpable, particularly following a shift in French policy concerning the disputed Western Sahara region, which has elicited anger from Algeria and resulted in the withdrawal of its ambassador to Paris. The French government has also decried Algeria's ongoing detention of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who has been a vocal critic of the Algerian regime, since November.

While these arrests coincide with a turbulent period in France-Algeria relations, French officials, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, assert that the nation's intent is to foster amicable relations with Algeria. Barrot's statements reflected some skepticism about Algeria's adherence to prior agreements meant to repair bilateral relations, which deteriorated during recent events.

The first individual detained, a 25-year-old with a considerable TikTok following, faces grave charges for expressing public support for acts of terror. Prosecutors announced that he would appear in court on February 24, with potential penalties reaching seven years in prison for promoting violence online (Le Monde).

During interrogation, this influencer reportedly admitted to creating videos that advocated terrorism, targeting opponents of Algeria's government. The second arrest, also noted on social media by Retailleau, involves another alleged influencer, who similarly faces judicial repercussions for disturbing comments shared via TikTok.

The developments are reflective of broader societal concerns regarding social media's role in inciting violence and its implications for law enforcement in France. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the complicated relationship between the two countries and poses questions about freedom of expression in the context of social media.