Moroccan TikTok Influencer Detained in Algeria Over Content Deemed ‘Harmful to National Interest’

In a case highlighting the complex intersection of social media, cross-border relations, and national security, a Moroccan TikTok personality has been arrested in Algeria. The individual, identified as B. Fatima and known online as “Le son libre” (The Free Sound), was taken into custody by Algeria’s National Gendarmerie on suspicions of broadcasting live videos considered offensive to the nation and its citizens.

Allegations of Border-Crossing Content

The investigation was reportedly triggered by multiple complaints concerning live streams that authorities allege ran contrary to Algeria’s national interest. These broadcasts were said to originate from a TikTok account active on both sides of the heavily regulated Algerian-Moroccan border. A central point of the probe was the potential link between the disseminated content and communication activities perceived to benefit the Makhzen—a term often used to describe the Moroccan government or establishment.

Through their investigation, security forces tracked B. Fatima’s movements across several Algerian localities, including Bordj Menael, An Benian, Oran, and the capital, Algiers. It is alleged she met with various social media users before being placed in provisional detention at Kola prison.

A Clash of Narratives in Court

Appearing before the court in Chraga, the defendant presented a starkly different account from the prosecution’s allegations. B. Fatima testified that she has lived in Algeria for a decade, following a thirty-year marriage to an Algerian citizen who has since passed away. She explained that her regular trips to the country were primarily to renew her residence permit.

Contradicting the charges, she stated she operates only one TikTok account, “Le son libre soyez_respect” (The Free Sound – Be Respected), which she uses exclusively for social and cultural exchanges. She firmly denied ever publishing content offensive to Algeria or its people.

“My sole objective was to build bridges and foster dialogue between the Algerian and Moroccan peoples,” she told the court. She suggested that the controversial videos did not come from her official account, pointing instead to another account using the name “Le son libre 3” as the potential source of the inflammatory remarks.

Witness Testimonies and Technical Evidence

The court heard from several witnesses whose accounts appeared to support the defendant’s version of events. A citizen named S. Nassira, who described herself as a long-time acquaintance, stated she had been a friend of B. Fatima’s late husband. Nassira, who had assisted the TikToker with pension-related procedures, testified she had never witnessed the defendant make offensive remarks about Algeria. “I would not have maintained a relationship with her if such remarks had been made,” she affirmed.

Another witness, a fellow TikTok user identified as B., confirmed participating in several live broadcasts with the accused. He described their exchanges as focusing predominantly on cultural themes related to Algerian and Moroccan traditions, deliberately avoiding political discourse. He reported observing no hostile behavior or speech towards Algeria during their in-person meetings in Oran and Algiers.

Adding weight to the defense, the lawyer highlighted that a technical investigation by security services had found no proven offense. Analyses of electronic communications and broadcasts associated with the “Le son libre soyez_respect” account reportedly revealed no publications that harmed the national interest. The defense counsel argued that confusion with the similarly named “Le son libre 3” account could be at the root of a case of mistaken identity and requested a full acquittal.

A Hefty Sentence Sought

Despite the defense’s arguments, the public prosecutor’s representative pursued a stringent penalty, requesting a two-year prison sentence without suspension and a fine of 100,000 Algerian dinars. The charge was formally based on “presenting content to the public likely to harm the national interest.”

This case unfolds against a backdrop of historically strained relations between Algeria and Morocco, where online expression and cross-border content can carry significant geopolitical weight. The outcome will be closely watched by digital rights advocates and observers of North African politics alike.

Full credit to the original publisher: National Gendarmerie services – Regional research brigade of Chraga