French court denies bail for Algerian official in Amir DZ kidnapping case

A French appeals court has denied bail to an Algerian consular official accused of involvement in the kidnapping of prominent Algerian YouTuber Amir DZ in France in 2024. The decision by the Paris Court of Appeal's investigating chamber aligns with the public prosecutor's request to keep the official detained.

The prosecutor cited concerns about witness tampering, collusion with other individuals involved in the case, and threats to public order, in addition to ensuring the official's presence in France. This ruling contrasts with a recommendation from the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, which had previously suggested releasing the official under judicial supervision.

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This is a barter.

Amir DZ's lawyer, Eric Moutet, expressed concern that the consular official might be used as a bargaining chip in a potential exchange for French journalist Christophe Gellis, who is imprisoned in Algeria. Moutet described such a scenario as "barter." He noted that the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office's earlier request for release was "unusual," but stated that the public prosecutor and the Court of Appeal are addressing the situation by separating it from the dispute between France and Algeria over the detained journalist.

Lawyers for the consular official declined to comment when contacted by Agence France-Presse. The kidnapping of Amir DZ, which his defense team believes Algeria orchestrated, and the imprisonment of Gellis have escalated disputes between Paris and Algiers, although diplomatic tensions have reportedly eased in recent months. Gellis's parents have appealed to the Algerian president for a pardon for the journalist.

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The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office's request was unusual.