Algerian Influencer "Doualemn" Sentenced in France, Sparks Diplomatic Tensions with Algeria

March 6, 2025 – Boualem Naman, better known as the Algerian TikTok influencer "Doualemn," was sentenced Thursday to a five-month suspended prison term by a Montpellier court in France. The 59-year-old, boasting 138,000 followers, was found guilty of "incitement to commit a crime or offense without effect" after posting a video in early January calling for a "severe correction" against an opponent of the Algerian regime. The ruling marks a significant chapter in an ongoing saga that has fueled diplomatic friction between Paris and Algiers.

The video, which went viral on TikTok, prompted a swift reaction from French authorities and escalated tensions already strained by issues of migration, security, and Algeria’s refusal to accept deported nationals. During the highly publicized trial on February 24, prosecutors sought a six-month suspended sentence, while Naman’s lawyer, Jean-Baptiste Mousset, argued for acquittal. However, the court rejected the defense’s claim that the remarks were humorous. "The call to violence was clear, targeting an identifiable individual," the presiding judge stated, describing the sentence as a "warning" to Naman. Mousset immediately announced plans to appeal.

A Diplomatic Flashpoint

The case took on an international dimension after Naman’s arrest in January. Montpellier Mayor Michaël Delafosse and Hérault Prefect François-Xavier Lauch flagged the influencer’s content on January 4, leading to his detention. The prefect then moved to revoke Naman’s residency permit and deport him to Algeria. On January 9, Naman was placed on a flight to Algiers—only to be promptly sent back to France upon arrival, a rejection seen as a diplomatic slap by Paris.

The Melun Administrative Court later overturned the initial expulsion order, mandating a proper review process. On Wednesday, Naman appeared before Montpellier’s Expulsion Commission (Comex), which will deliver its verdict on March 12 regarding the prefect’s renewed deportation request. During the hearing, Naman admitted his words incited violence but downplayed their severity, expressing regret. His second lawyer, Marie David-Bellouard, argued the case was "blown out of proportion to mask a political move" by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.

Wider Crackdown on Inflammatory Content

Naman’s case is part of a broader French clampdown on social media influencers accused of posting hateful or violent content. Two other Algerians and a Franco-Algerian woman face similar charges. Youcef A., alias "Zazou Youssef," was sentenced in late February in Brest to 18 months in prison and a 10-year ban from France for urging attacks in both France and Algeria on TikTok. Meanwhile, "Imad Tintin," another Algerian influencer, awaits trial in Grenoble on May 23 for allegedly inciting terrorism, pending a translation analysis of his statements. Sofia Benlemmane, a Franco-Algerian with a massive TikTok following, is set to face court in Lyon on March 18 for a profanity-laced rant against France.

Strained France-Algeria Relations

The backdrop to these legal battles is a deepening rift between France and Algeria, exacerbated by Algeria’s refusal to accept deportees, including the perpetrator of a deadly February 22 attack in Mulhouse. Relations soured further after France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2024. French Interior Minister Retailleau has seized on these incidents to push a hardline stance, amplifying tensions through public statements.

In a bid to de-escalate, President Emmanuel Macron on February 28 urged dialogue with Algeria on migration issues and called for a resolution to the detention of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in Algiers. However, with cases like "Doualemn" still unfolding, the diplomatic standoff shows little sign of abating.