An Algerian influencer using the pseudonym “Zazuyoussef” was arrested in Brest (France) for calling for terrorist attacks in the country on TikTok.
According to Ukrinform, this was announced by French Interior Minister Bruno Ritaio on his page on the social network X.
“The Algerian influencer “Zazuyoussef”, who called on his community to carry out terrorist attacks in France, must answer for his actions before a court. He was arrested this morning in Brest. Nothing should go unpunished,” the minister wrote.
The Algerian's TikTok page was followed by more than 400,000 people. Before the platform suspended his account for violating its community guidelines, “Zazuyoussef” threatened to attack people who demonstrated in Paris against the current Algerian government.
“Those who demonstrate in Paris, we will take care of them. And those who demonstrate in Algeria, we will also shoot them. France, the country where I live, pays them. Shoot them and we will bury them with the Jews,” “Zazuyoussef” urged in his videos, simulating shooting with his hands.
He threatened to commit violence and cut the throats of all opponents of the current government in Algeria. Since the publication, these videos have been retweeted tens of thousands of times, mostly by far-right accounts.
According to media reports, the suspect, named Youssef, is 25 years old, was born in Algeria, but lived in France. He is already known to the police for ordinary offenses – such as shoplifting and damage to property. He was also subject to an obligation to leave French territory, issued by the Finistere prefecture in 2024.
Recall that relations between France and the current authorities of its former colony – Algeria – are in a period of crisis.