ALGIERS – The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded on Saturday to the statements from supporters of the far-right within the French government, who have been leading a campaign of disinformation and defamation against Algeria.
“The far-right, known for its hateful rhetoric and vengeful mindset, has, through its supporters within the French government, launched a campaign of disinformation and defamation against Algeria, believing it has found a pretext to vent its frustrations, anger, and resentment,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry emphasised that “contrary to the claims of the French far-right, its agents, and its spokespersons, Algeria has not engaged in any form of escalation, provocation, or humiliation.” Adding that “it is the far-right and its representatives who are trying to impose their resentments—filled with threats and intimidation—on the Algeria-France relationship, expressing them openly and without restraint.”
The ministry also pointed out the attempt by a faction nostalgic for the past to exploit the arbitrary expulsion of an Algerian citizen from France to Algeria as an opportunity to settle historical scores with sovereign and independent Algeria. The ministry noted that this opportunity was poorly chosen, providing specific details about the individual involved in the expulsion decision.
The statement confirmed that the individual subject to expulsion had lived in France for 36 years, held a residence permit for 15 years, was the father of two children born from his marriage to a French citizen, and was socially integrated, having held a stable job for 15 years.
The ministry stressed that all these factors undeniably granted the individual rights, which he was unable to assert before French or European courts due to the hasty and controversial expulsion. As a result, he was denied the chance to undergo a proper judicial process, which would have protected him from the abuse of power, particularly since the execution of the expulsion order would have deprived him of the opportunity to defend his rights during the scheduled trial on February 24.
The ministry also pointed to violations by the French side of the Algeria-France Consular Convention of May 25, 1974, stating: “The French authorities did not deem it necessary to inform the Algerian side of the arrest, detention, or expulsion of the individual in question.” Moreover, the French side did not respond to Algeria’s request for consular protection through the right of visit.
In conclusion, the ministry affirmed that, given these violations and the infringement of the rights acquired by the Algerian national on French soil, Algeria’s decision in this matter was motivated by the desire to allow the individual to respond to the accusations against him, assert his rights, and defend himself within the framework of a fair and just judicial process on French territory.
