Paris, April 16, 2025 — France has expelled 12 Algerian diplomats and recalled its ambassador from Algiers in a significant escalation of tensions with Algeria. The diplomatic fallout comes after Algeria expelled 12 French officials in retaliation over a controversial arrest tied to the 2023 abduction of activist Amir Boukhors, also known as “Amir DZ.”
The French government announced the decision on Tuesday, following Algeria’s expulsion of French diplomats on Monday. The row was triggered by the arrest of an Algerian consular employee and two others in France, all accused of involvement in the kidnapping of Boukhors near Paris last year.
Boukhors, a prominent critic of the Algerian government and a well-known social media figure, was granted asylum in France. He was abducted in April 2023 but released within 24 hours. French prosecutors have charged the suspects with terrorist conspiracy, and one of them is believed to be a diplomatic staffer.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that the expulsions are a direct response to Algeria’s retaliation and the serious nature of the charges. “This is an unprecedented situation,” he stated, adding that diplomatic immunity does not cover acts of terrorism.
Algeria, meanwhile, has issued nine international arrest warrants for Boukhors, accusing him of terrorism and fraud. The country has officially requested his extradition, a demand France has not acted upon.
This marks the first time France has detained an Algerian diplomatic employee, and if Algeria follows through with its actions, it would be the first expulsion of French diplomats since Algerian independence in 1962.
The latest developments have derailed recent efforts to rebuild ties, including a high-level meeting last week between French Foreign Minister Barrot and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Ongoing disputes over issues like France’s position on Western Sahara and the imprisonment of French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal have further inflamed bilateral tensions.
The diplomatic crisis underscores the fragility of Franco-Algerian relations, once again brought to a breaking point over sensitive political and judicial issues.
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