Rabat – French police arrested on Friday Algerian influencer Youcef Aziria, known as Zazou Youcef, for inciting attacks against France.
French Minister of Interior Bruno Retailleau announced the news on X, noting that the influencer was arrested in Brest, northwestern France
“Thanks to the magistrates and law enforcement for making this arrest possible. Let’s not tolerate anything,” the minister concluded.
BFMTV reported today that the influencer was arrested following a report made against him on December 31.
The news outlet said the influencer allegedly posted two videos on social media, one reportedly advocating the use of gunfire during New Year’s celebrations.
He allegedly reaffirmed his disturbing remarks while walking in Brest.
The report said that another suspect was also arrested while his involvement remains unclear.
Youcef has over 400,000 followers on his TikTok account, which has been suspended.
According to reports, Youcef previously received an order to leave France in April last year.
Le Figaro said that the influencer threatened attacks on protesters opposing the Algerian regime during New Year’s celebrations.
“We’ll treat you like the 19990s. Shoot them… Want to protest January1st? Shoot them; make noise. President Tebboune, shoot them; they want chaos,” he reportedly said.
In the second video, he claims : “We’re at war. One misstep, and we’ll harm your families…. Confront us,” he reportedly added.
The remarks came as France and Algeria have been navigating political tensions due to Paris’s decision to support Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Algeria’s regime also claimed France has been committing hostilities, accusing Paris intelligence of targeting Algerian State institutions.
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