The detention of an Algerian diplomat in France ignites a new crisis between the two countries.

Algeria strongly protested yesterday, Saturday, against the French authorities' detention of one of its consular employees, in an unprecedented move deemed a dangerous escalation in the relations between the two countries. This development follows French accusations related to what local media described as the kidnapping of Algerian opposition figure Amira Boukhers, whom Algeria accuses of having ties to terrorist groups and labels as a "saboteur." The detention has sparked Algeria's displeasure, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing firm rejection of the French step, emphasizing that "this unprecedented judicial shift in the history of relations between the two countries aims to hinder the progress of bilateral relations," as reported by Reuters. Algeria also sternly rejected, in form and content, the justifications provided by the French public prosecutor specialized in counterterrorism, which were used to justify the consular employee's pretrial detention. The investigations involved three individuals, including the Algerian consular official, amid accusations of involvement in the Boukhers kidnapping incident on French soil. This judicial escalation comes at a time when relations between Algiers and Paris were relatively improving, as French Minister of State Jean-Noël Barrot announced days ago that relations with Algeria had "returned to normal" after his talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, indicating that this step ended months of tensions that had harmed French economic and security interests in Algeria. However, recent developments may bring back tensions, raising questions about the future of relations between the two countries amidst ongoing sensitive issues and a lack of understanding on security and political opposition matters.