French Police Detain Two Algerian TikTok Stars Over Violent Threats

French authorities have arrested two prominent Algerian social media influencers for allegedly making terrorist threats and inciting violence through TikTok videos. The arrests, which occurred on Friday, came amid rising tensions involving anti-Algerian regime protesters in France.

The second arrest targeted Imad Tintin, known online as "Bledar de luxe," who was apprehended near Grenoble around 7:30 p.m. Tintin, who maintained a following of 70,900 on TikTok, faces serious charges related to death threats targeting specific racial, ethnic, national, or religious groups, according to Grenoble prosecutor Eric Vaillant.

The controversy erupted after Tintin posted a video that accumulated over 858,000 views, in which he allegedly threatened violence against opponents of the Algerian regime residing in France. The video, which has since been removed, reportedly contained explicit threats, including statements such as "If you move, we will burn you... We will finish you off in France."

Earlier that same day, authorities detained Youcef Aziria, known as "Zazou Youcef," in Brest. Aziria, who had amassed 400,000 TikTok followers before his account was suspended, faces charges of apologizing for terrorism and inciting hatred and violence. Having arrived in France in 2020, Aziria holds a residence permit valid until March 2024 but is currently subject to an deportation order issued in April 2024.

The arrests gained public attention through Chawki Benzehra, an Algerian political activist with asylum status in France. Benzehra claims to have been personally targeted by Tintin, who allegedly mentioned him by name and location in threatening messages. Benzehra warned of what he described as "a terror campaign" being conducted on French soil by supporters claiming connections to the Algerian regime.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized the government's zero-tolerance approach to such threats, particularly amid diplomatic tensions following France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. This firm stance was encapsulated in his repeated statement "Ne rien laisser passer" ("Let nothing slide").

The case has highlighted the growing intersection of social media influence and political tensions, particularly within diaspora communities. Aziria's previous legal troubles in France, including a conviction for vandalism during the June 2023 urban riots, add another layer to the ongoing investigation into online threats and their real-world implications.