A new chapter is unfolding in the escalating tensions between Algeria and France. The French judiciary has issued an international arrest warrant for Salaheddine Selloum, the former first secretary of the Algerian embassy in Paris, as reported by Le Monde on Saturday, August 9th. The diplomat is accused of involvement in the kidnapping of Amir Boukhors, known by his pseudonym «Amir DZ», an Algerian YouTuber and dissident who sought refuge in France in April 2024.
«The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) requested the issuance of an arrest warrant against Mr. Selloum on July 23rd, citing “serious suspicions” about his role in the “arrest, sequestration, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention” of Amir DZ», the French daily specifies.
«This marks a significant step forward in the fight against the impunity of Algerian agents involved in such grave acts», praised Eric Plouvier, the lawyer representing Amir DZ.
This arrest warrant for an Algerian diplomat follows just three days after President Emmanuel Macron decided to revoke visa exemptions for Algerian officials wishing to travel to France.
The investigation into the kidnapping of dissident Amir DZ could potentially expose the involvement of high-ranking figures within the Algerian government in this case.