Algeria has ordered 12 French embassy staff to leave within 48 hours, following France’s indictment of three Algerians—one a consular official—linked to the 2024 abduction of government critic Amir Boukhors (aka Amir DZ).

Boukhors, granted asylum in France, was briefly kidnapped near Paris by men posing as police.

Algeria accuses him of ties to terrorism, which he denies.

The expulsions have escalated tensions between the two countries, with France warning it will respond if the move isn’t reversed, the BBC has reported.

The dispute is part of a broader strain in French-Algerian relations over political and diplomatic issues.

Written by B.C. Begley