Algeria Demands Immediate Release of Consular Employee Detained in France

Algeria has issued a strong protest against the decision of the French judicial authorities to charge one of its consular staff members working on French soil and place him in temporary detention. This move comes as part of an ongoing judicial investigation into the alleged kidnapping of Amir Boukhors, known as Amir DZ, in 2024, according to a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement noted that Lounès Magramane, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, summoned French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet to the ministry’s headquarters on Saturday. The meeting aimed to convey Algeria’s deep dissatisfaction with the French authorities’ decision to prosecute and detain the Algerian consular official in connection with the investigation into the alleged abduction of Amir Boukhors.

The statement added that Algeria categorically rejects, both in form and in substance, the justifications provided by the French Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office for its decision to place the consular employee in pre-trial detention.

“From a procedural standpoint, Algeria recalls that the consular employee was arrested in a public space and placed in custody without prior notification through diplomatic channels, in blatant violation of the immunities and privileges associated with his duties at the Algerian Consulate in Créteil, as well as the established practices between Algeria and France in such matters,” the source said, adding that, “on a substantive level, Algeria underscores the fragility and lack of credibility in the arguments put forward by the French Ministry of the Interior’s security services during the investigation. The judicial action, which Algeria firmly rejects, is reportedly based solely on the claim that the consular employee’s phone may have been detected in the vicinity of the residence of Amir Boukhors.”

Algeria, in the same statement, called for the immediate release of the consular employee held in pre-trial detention, and demanded full respect for the rights and protections attached to his official duties—as outlined in both international and bilateral agreements—to ensure he is able to defend himself properly and under fair and appropriate conditions.

“This unprecedented judicial development in the history of Algerian-French relations is not coincidental. It arises in a particular context and appears intended to hinder the process of revitalizing bilateral relations, as agreed upon by the Presidents of both countries during their recent phone call,” the statement said.

“This unfortunate and inappropriate shift clearly indicates that certain parties in France do not share the same commitment to renewing bilateral ties. Their level of engagement lacks the goodwill and sincerity required to foster the conditions necessary for a smooth and natural resumption of relations,” it added.

“We can only be astonished by the ironic choice made by those obstructing the revival of bilateral relations regarding the criminal who was used as a tool for this orchestrated act. The blatant haste in exploiting this criminal as a new face for the anti-Algerian rhetoric contrasts with the French authorities’ procrastination in dealing with the Algerian authorities’ requests to extradite this saboteur linked to terrorist organizations,” the source continued.

“This new, unacceptable, and unjustifiable development is likely to cause serious harm to Algerian-French relations and will not contribute to easing tensions. While Algeria reaffirms its full responsibility for protecting its consular staff, it stresses its determination not to leave this matter without consequences,” the statement concluded.