Algerian Influencer Doualemn Detained in France for Renewed Expulsion Attempt

Doualemn, known for inciting violence on TikTok, was arrested in Montpellier after Algeria previously refused his expulsion in January.

Doualemn, whose real name is Boualem Naman, was arrested at his home in Montpellier on March 20 and placed in administrative detention for a new expulsion attempt to Algeria.
In January 2025, Algeria refused to accept Doualemn after France initially expelled him, complicating diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Doualemn was sentenced on March 6 to five months of suspended prison time for incitement following a TikTok video calling for violence against an Algerian regime opponent.
The Hérault Expulsion Commission issued a favorable opinion for his expulsion on March 12, restarting the process after a January annulment by the Administrative Court of Melun.
The case has intensified tensions between France and Algeria, already strained by the imprisonment of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal in late 2024.