French authorities have arrested two Algerian-origin influencers, Zazou Youcef and Imad Tintin, over allegations of promoting terrorism and making death threats. The arrests occurred on Friday in Brest and Échirolles, respectively, following inflammatory content shared on social media.
Zazou Youcef: Apology for a Terrorist Act
Zazou Youcef, a 25-year-old influencer with over 400,000 followers on TikTok, is accused of promoting violence against France and Algeria in videos posted on New Year’s Eve. His content, which included calls for attacks, caused significant public concern. Following his arrest, the Brest public prosecutor confirmed that he would remain in custody until his trial in late February. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison and a €100,000 fine.
Youcef is not new to the French judicial system. In December 2023, he was convicted of arson during riots over the death of Nahel but remained free pending an appeal. His TikTok account has since been deleted.
Imad Tintin: Provocation of Terrorist Acts
The second influencer, Imad Tintin, 31, was detained in Échirolles for similar offenses. He is accused of making death threats based on race, ethnicity, or religion. His videos led to charges of “direct provocation to an act of terrorism via online public communication.” France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the remarks, calling them "despicable."
Tintin's police custody was extended as investigations continue, with legal proceedings expected soon.
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