French commission favors expulsion of Algerian influencer Doualemn

Wednesday 12 March 2025 - 16:15

By: Dakir Madiha

French commission favors expulsion of Algerian influencer Doualemn

A commission in Hérault has issued a favorable opinion for the expulsion of the Algerian influencer known as "Doualemn." This decision, announced on Wednesday, follows a turbulent situation that has escalated tensions between Paris and Algiers. Doualemn, whose real name is Boualem Naman, has become a focal point of political discourse regarding migration policies in France.

His lawyer, Me Marie David-Bellouard, expressed shock at the ruling, highlighting the disproportionate nature of the decision given that her client was sentenced to only five months in prison, suspended for inciting violence against an Algerian opposition figure. She described the ruling as politically motivated, arguing that Doualemn is caught in a broader narrative surrounding the government's immigration stance.

The commission, formally known as the Comex, consists of three magistrates. It held a public hearing on March 5 to discuss the case, initiated by the Hérault prefecture, which seeks to expel the 59-year-old cleaner. Following the ruling, Me David-Bellouard indicated that she would challenge any expulsion decision through urgent legal procedures.

Earlier this year, Doualemn garnered significant attention on TikTok, amassing around 138,000 followers. His controversial video, in which he called for a "severe correction" of an opponent of the Algerian regime, led to his conviction for "provocation not followed by effect to commit a crime or offense." After being sentenced on March 6, authorities attempted to expel him to Algeria on January 9. However, Algerian authorities returned him to France, igniting a diplomatic crisis. The administrative tribunal in Melun subsequently annulled the order to leave the French territory, mandating a new hearing process that culminated in the Comex's recent deliberation.