Algerian Diplomat Suspected of Orchestrating Assassination 'Amir DZ' Plot Against Influencer in France

A Thwarted Conspiracy Exposes Tensions Between France and Algeria

Paris, France – A chilling assassination plot targeting a prominent Algerian influencer has been uncovered, implicating a member of the Algerian consulate in France and raising fears of heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations. On April 8, 2025, French authorities detained four suspects linked to the scheme, which aimed to either kill or forcibly return Amir Boukhors, known as Amir DZ, to Algeria, where he faces the death penalty. This article delves into the details of the case, its implications for Franco-Algerian relations, and the broader context of political repression.

The Target: Amir DZ, a Vocal Critic of the Algerian Regime

Amir Boukhors, a 42-year-old Algerian influencer with over one million followers on TikTok and YouTube, has become a leading voice for the Algerian diaspora. Known as Amir DZ, he gained prominence through videos exposing corruption within Algeria’s military-backed regime and criticizing the government of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. His outspoken activism led to his exile in France, where he was granted political refugee status. However, his activities have made him a target, with Algerian authorities issuing seven arrest warrants against him. If extradited, Amir DZ faces the risk of execution in Algeria, a fate French courts have consistently refused to allow by denying extradition requests.

A Kidnapping Gone Awry

The plot against Amir DZ came to light following a failed kidnapping attempt on April 29, 2024. According to Le Parisien, the influencer was abducted by individuals posing as French police officers. They informed him that an Algerian official wanted to meet him in Amsterdam, but instead, he was drugged and placed in a container. Amir DZ later recounted to the newspaper that he believed his abductors were acting on orders from higher authorities. He was released the following night in a forest, with no explanation provided. The incident, initially shrouded in mystery, has now been linked to a broader conspiracy involving the Algerian consulate.

A Diplomat’s Alleged Role in the Plot

French investigations, led by the criminal brigade and the DGSI (France’s internal security agency), have pointed to a member of the Algerian consulate in France as the mastermind behind the operation. Authorities suspect this individual, described as an officer of Algerian intelligence services, was acting as an emissary of the Tebboune regime to conduct clandestine reprisals on French soil. The diplomat allegedly orchestrated the plot to either assassinate Amir DZ or forcibly return him to Algeria to face execution.

The investigation also uncovered a network of accomplices, including a French official from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, who was arrested in December 2024 and charged by the DGSI. This official is believed to have accessed confidential information about Algerian refugees in France, facilitated by a romantic relationship with an employee of the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra). This breach of sensitive data highlights the lengths to which the alleged conspirators went to target dissidents like Amir DZ.

A Failed Contract and International Implications

The assassination contract, as revealed by Le Parisien, ultimately failed due to financial disputes and the incompetence of the operatives involved. However, the incident has sent shockwaves through France, exposing the potential involvement of a foreign government in a criminal act on its territory. The case risks exacerbating already strained relations between France and Algeria, which have been marked by historical grievances and recent diplomatic spats. Posts on X reflect public concern, with some users speculating about the broader implications for Algerian dissidents in Europe, though these sentiments remain unverified.

The Broader Context: Repression of Algerian Dissidents

This incident is not an isolated one. The Algerian regime has a history of targeting critics abroad, often through intimidation or legal measures like extradition requests. Amnesty International has documented cases of harassment against Algerian activists in the diaspora, noting that the government frequently uses its judicial system to silence dissent. The targeting of Amir DZ underscores the dangers faced by political refugees, even in countries like France, where they are theoretically protected by international law.

Moreover, the involvement of a French official in the plot raises questions about vulnerabilities within France’s own institutions. The breach at the Ministry of Economy and Finance suggests that foreign actors may exploit insider connections to undermine the safety of refugees, a concern that could prompt stricter oversight of sensitive data in the future.

A Call for Accountability

The foiled plot against Amir DZ has reignited calls for accountability, both from the Algerian government and within France. Human rights organizations have long criticized Algeria’s treatment of dissidents, and this case may pressure the French government to take a stronger stance against foreign interference. The lack of an official response from the Algerian consulate as of April 10, 2025, adds to the uncertainty, leaving room for speculation about the regime’s involvement.

From a critical perspective, the narrative presented by French authorities and media outlets like Le Parisien should be scrutinized. While the evidence points to a serious conspiracy, the absence of a direct statement from Algerian officials means the full picture remains unclear. The historical tensions between France and Algeria, rooted in colonial legacies and recent political disputes, may also color the interpretation of events, potentially amplifying the incident for diplomatic leverage.

Conclusion: A Test for Franco-Algerian Relations

The alleged assassination plot against Amir DZ, orchestrated by a member of the Algerian consulate, marks a disturbing escalation in the targeting of dissidents abroad. As French authorities continue their investigation, the case could have far-reaching consequences for Franco-Algerian relations, already strained by historical and political challenges. For now, the international community watches closely, awaiting further developments that could either confirm the involvement of the Tebboune regime or reveal a more complex web of motives. The safety of Algerian refugees in France hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for robust protections against foreign interference.