Algeria has officially demanded that 12 staff members from the French embassy vacate the country within 48 hours, as confirmed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. This development comes in response to Friday's indictment of three Algerians, including a consular official, tied to the 2024 abduction of Amir Boukhors, an outspoken critic of the Algerian government. Boukhors, who has garnered significant social media attention and was granted asylum in France earlier this year, was reportedly kidnapped near Paris by disguised individuals claiming to be police.

Boukhors, known as Amir DZ, has faced numerous threats since moving to France in 2016, including past assassination attempts. Algeria has accused him of fraud and terrorist affiliations, allegations he denies. The French courts previously declined to extradite him in 2022, escalating the ongoing diplomatic conflict.

In retaliation for the indictments, Algeria's foreign ministry called in the French ambassador and lodged a formal protest against the embassy's actions, claiming the detention lacked proper diplomatic notification. Attempts at mending relations include recent discussions between Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboun, yet this incident represents a significant setback.

Foreign Minister Barrot has urged Algerian authorities to reconsider the expulsion, warning that France is prepared to act reciprocally if the decision is enforced. The 12 officials targeted include representatives from France's interior ministry, indicating the matter's sensitive nature. As diplomatic ties continue to fray, both nations face challenges in navigating a path toward reconciliation amidst increasing tensions.