French prosecutor seeks release of detained Algerian consular agent

The French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) has requested the release of an Algerian consular agent, identified as Smaïl R., who has been detained in France since April 2024. This represents a significant softening of the prosecutor's position, as they had previously rejected all requests for his release.

According to the French newspaper Le Monde, the PNAT's request for release under judicial supervision was made on June 11. The prosecutor's office now believes that Smaïl R.'s continued detention is no longer justified. This development followed a request for release filed by the defense attorneys the day before.

“

The PNAT's requests followed a request for release filed the day before by the defense attorneys. They mark an obvious easing of the public prosecutor's position on this case, the Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office having rejected all requests for the release of Smaïl R. until now.

However, the final decision rests with the judges. They had previously rejected a similar request from the defense on June 18. The defense has appealed this decision, and the case is scheduled for re-examination on July 13. Le Monde described the prosecutor's shift as an "obvious easing" of their stance.

“

His continued detention is no longer justified.

Le Monde also raised the question of whether this change in flexibility could be linked to behind-the-scenes efforts between Paris and Algiers to resolve a diplomatic crisis and secure the release of a French journalist, M. Gleizes, who is currently detained in Algeria. The Algerian consular agent's detention occurred during a severe diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria, which lasted over two years and was exacerbated by right-wing and far-right French political actors.

Algeria had previously accused Bruno Retailleau of orchestrating the agent's arrest to sabotage rapprochement efforts between the two countries, particularly after a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to Algiers in April 2025. The situation remains complex, with the judicial process ongoing.

“

Should we see in this new flexibility a link with the behind-the-scenes efforts between Paris and Algiers to settle the crisis and allow the release of Mr. Gleizes?