Imad Ould Brahim, a 31-year-old Algerian video blogger known as Imad Tintin, has been detained in France after posting a video urging followers to commit acts of violence, including “burning alive, killing, and raping.” His arrest on Friday outside Grenoble comes over heightened tensions between France and Algeria, exacerbated by French support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Brahim appeared in court on Monday, charged with direct incitement of an act of terrorism. He denied any intent to incite terrorism and questioned the translation and editing of his videos. The court delayed the trial until March 5 to allow Brahim to prepare his defence but ordered his detention due to flight and witness-tampering risks.
Brahim entered France in December 2021 and applied for a residence permit in 2023 after marrying a French citizen, but his request was denied, and he faces an expulsion order.
Two other Algerian influencers, Zazou Youssef and Doualemn, were also detained recently for promoting violence in their videos. French authorities have been cracking down on social media content inciting hatred and violence.
