France Accuses Algeria of Violating Law, Threatens Sanctions Against Air Algérie
The French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, has accused Algeria of violating international law by refusing to receive one of its nationals deported from France. The alleged violation stems from an incident involving a 30-year-old Algerian man who was sentenced to six months in prison and a ban on entering French territory for various offenses, including theft, possession of stolen goods, and carrying a weapon.
According to French judicial sources, Algeria refused to allow the man to enter the country even though he had a valid identity card. This refusal prompted Minister Retailleau to accuse Algeria of breaking the law and announce plans to consider sanctions against the country’s national airline, Air Algérie.
"If the Algerian did not have an identity card or a biometric passport, I would understand the need for a consular pass," explained the minister. "But in this case, the document is recognized. He is Algerian. Therefore, Algeria is violating the law. I have asked my services to explore the possibility of sanctioning Air Algérie."
As the deadline for the man’s detention approached, he was escorted by police onto a flight to Algeria, which landed in Oran on the night of February 10-11. Despite presenting a valid identity card, Algerian authorities denied him entry because he lacked a consular pass and immediately returned him to France.
In a memo to his staff, which was consulted by the AFP news agency, Minister Retailleau acknowledged an "additional and new requirement" imposed by Air Algérie that "deviates from the agreements" between the two countries. The memo stated that the airline now "requires consular passes even when individuals scheduled to depart hold valid identity documents."
Minister Retailleau expressed frustration with the situation, stating that "France has shown great weakness towards Algeria" and calling for a more assertive approach. He suggested using various pressure tactics, such as "denying certain individuals from the nomenclatura and diplomats the privileges they currently enjoy."
The minister also hinted at the possibility of "reconsidering agreements more generally" between France and Algeria. "Since Algeria is not respecting the agreement with France and international law, why should we be obligated to respect the agreements with Algeria?" he questioned.
The French government has a history of using diplomatic pressure to address issues with Algeria. In 2021, France recalled its ambassador to Algeria in response to comments made by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune that France had committed "crimes against humanity" during its colonial rule. The ambassador was later returned to Algeria.
The current incident has further strained relations between the two countries, which have faced tensions over a number of issues in recent years, including migration, trade, and human rights. The outcome of the matter and any potential sanctions imposed by France remain to be seen.
