Bensaïd’s release stalled as Algeria refuses repatriation

France has called on Algeria to accept the return of Boualem Bensaïd, a convicted terrorist involved in the 1995 Paris bombings, as part of a court-approved conditional release plan. 

The 57-year-old Algerian national was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the RER B station bombing at Saint-Michel, which killed eight people and injured 150.

On July 10, a Paris appeals court approved Bensaïd’s release on the condition that he be immediately deported and permanently banned from re-entering France. However, Algeria has not issued a consular pass, effectively blocking the deportation.

Speaking to Franceinfo, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said, "I strongly hope Algeria accepts him back. It’s a duty under our bilateral agreements." He added that Algeria's continued refusal to accept deportees has strained ties, noting that over 120 individuals slated for expulsion remain in limbo due to similar refusals.

France and Algeria have been embroiled in a diplomatic standoff for over a year, marked by mutual recriminations, frozen judicial cooperation, and diplomatic expulsions.

Bensaïd, a member of the Algerian Armed Islamic Group (GIA), is considered a key figure behind the six bombings that shook France in 1995. The group targeted France for its support of the Algerian regime during the country’s civil war.

His lawyer, Romain Ruiz, criticized French officials for blaming Algeria, calling it a "revisionist narrative", and blamed Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau’s hardline stance for worsening the situation.

For now, Bensaïd remains in detention pending Algeria’s decision.