Algerian consular agent detained in France: Prosecution changes stance

A significant development has occurred in the case of an Algerian consular agent detained in France since April 2024. The French anti-terrorism prosecution (PNAT), which had previously systematically opposed all release requests, has now requested the agent's release under judicial supervision. This marks a notable shift in the French judiciary's attitude in a case that has exacerbated the crisis between the two countries.

The affair is seen as a legacy of Bruno Retailleau, who served as Interior Minister from September 2024 to October 2025. In April 2025, as the two countries were moving toward a resolution—including a promising visit to Algiers by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot—the arrest of the consular agent by French domestic intelligence abruptly reversed progress. Algeria directly accused Retailleau of orchestrating the arrest to sabotage the rapprochement. Subsequently, Paris recalled its ambassador to Algiers, and both capitals carried out unprecedented reciprocal expulsions of 12 consular agents each.

In February 2025, Algeria and France launched a new crisis resolution process, marked by ministerial visits and renewed cooperation on migration and security. However, the detention of the Algerian consular agent in France and the detention of French journalist Christophe Gleizes in Algeria remained major obstacles.

According to Le Monde, on June 11, the PNAT requested the release of the Algerian consular agent under judicial supervision, stating that his continued detention was no longer justified. This request followed a provisional release application by the defense. However, the decision rests with the judges, who rejected the release request on June 18. The defense has appealed, and the request will be re-examined on July 13.

Le Monde describes this as an "evident softening" of the prosecution's position. The newspaper questions whether this new flexibility is linked to behind-the-scenes efforts between Paris and Algiers to resolve the crisis and secure the release of Mr. Gleizes. It is noted that in the French judicial system, prosecution magistrates are directly under the authority of the Minister of Justice, and thus the executive.