Influencer Doualemn Arrested in Montpellier Ahead of Deportation

Algerian influencer Doualemn, whose real name is Boualem Naman, was arrested early on Thursday, March 20, in Montpellier, where he was staying with his daughter. This arrest is part of an expulsion process decided by the French authorities. According to BFMTV, he was transferred to Paris to be placed in an Administrative Detention Center pending his deportation to Algeria.

A Controversial Decision

On March 12, the Hérault Expulsion Commission (Comex) issued a favorable opinion on his deportation following a public hearing on March 5. This decision follows Doualemn’s sentencing to a five-month suspended prison term for “incitement to commit a crime or offense that was not followed by action.” The conviction stemmed from a TikTok video he posted in January, in which he called for a “severe punishment” against an Algerian dissident.

His previous deportation to Algeria on January 9 had caused diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers, as the Algerian authorities immediately sent him back to France. The Melun Administrative Court later annulled his obligation to leave French territory (OQTF), requiring a contradictory procedure, which led to his appearance before the Comex.

Legal Appeals Still Possible

Doualemn’s lawyers denounce a “political decision” and fear a rushed deportation to prevent any legal recourse. “Our client is caught in a political trap and is becoming a symbol of the government’s immigration policy,” said lawyer Marie David-Bellouard to BFMTV, announcing her intention to challenge the deportation as an emergency measure.

The new deportation order marks a crucial step in this case, as the 59-year-old influencer faces an imminent return to Algeria.