Algerian TikTok figure Doualemn receives suspended prison sentence in French appeal court
An appeal court in France has upheld the conviction of Algerian TikTok personality Boualem Naman, widely known online as Doualemn, sentencing him to five months in prison with a suspended sentence for incitement to violence.
The Montpellier Court of Appeal confirmed the lower court's ruling, bringing to a close the criminal appeal while leaving Naman without an immediate custodial sentence.
Speaking after the decision, defense lawyer Vanessa Edberg argued that the suspended sentence reflected the court's assessment that the offense was not among the most serious. She maintained that the punishment demonstrated a measured judicial response rather than a severe criminal sanction.
During the proceedings, the 60-year-old cleaning worker rejected allegations that he had encouraged violence. Naman described himself as a "collateral victim" of the strained diplomatic relationship between France and Algeria and denied intentionally promoting violent acts through his social media content.
The case centered on a TikTok livestream in which prosecutors argued that Naman called for an Algerian opposition figure to be physically assaulted. The video prompted reports from the mayor of Montpellier and the prefect of the Hérault department, ultimately leading to criminal proceedings.
Naman, who has publicly expressed support for the Algerian government, has consistently disputed the characterization of himself as a social media influencer. Following the ruling, he indicated that he intends to step away from social media platforms altogether.
The case also unfolded alongside a prolonged immigration dispute. In 2025, French authorities issued an expulsion order against Naman and placed him in administrative detention. He was released after three months when France and Algeria failed to reach an agreement enabling his deportation.
Although no longer in detention, Naman remains under a residence order that has been in place for approximately 18 months. According to his lawyer, an appeal concerning his administrative status, initially scheduled for early July, has been postponed indefinitely, extending restrictions on his freedom of movement throughout the summer.
The case has attracted attention beyond the courtroom because it coincides with broader political tensions between Paris and Algiers, as well as ongoing debates in France over online speech, public security and immigration policy.
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