On Saturday, Algeria strongly condemned France’s detention of one of its consular agents, amid ongoing tensions between Paris and Algiers.
The Algerian consular agent was placed in provisional detention as part of a judicial investigation into the alleged kidnapping of an Algerian national in France.
Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the judicial action an unprecedented move in the history of bilateral relations, aimed at disrupting efforts to revive ties between the two nations.
French media reported that three individuals suspected of kidnapping Amir Boukhors, an opponent of the Algerian regime, were charged on Friday.
Algeria labeled the development “unacceptable and unjustified,” warning that it would seriously harm relations with France and vowing consequences.
Alger described Boukhors as a “saboteur linked to terrorist groups.”
Relations between Paris and Algiers, strained for decades, worsened in July when French President Emmanuel Macron angered Algerian authorities by recognizing a plan for autonomy in Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, after visiting Algiers last week for talks to restore dialogue, suggested a return to normalcy.
