Algerian opposition figure Hichem Aboud was questioned by a French antiterrorism judge on November 6 regarding a 2025 murder attempt against him in Roubaix, France. Aboud, a former Algerian intelligence officer and critical journalist, has accused the Algerian government of being behind the attempt. He has been living in France since the 1990s with a residence permit. Aboud's case has added to tensions between Paris and Algiers.
During the questioning, Aboud stated that he had no enemies other than the Algerian regime and its affiliates. He expressed skepticism about potential alternative leads, saying that even those accused in the case claimed not to know him or understand why they were involved. Four individuals have been charged in connection with the murder attempt, with three facing charges of organized gang murder related to a terrorist enterprise.
The investigation revealed that a "hit contract" had been discovered on Aboud's head following a museum robbery near Lyon in November 2024. Encrypted messaging app Signal was used to identify a team of alleged perpetrators, including a shooter reportedly paid €10,000. The plot allegedly failed because Aboud was not present in Roubaix at the time.
Aboud had also filed a complaint with civil party constitution for "attempted assassination" in Liège, Belgium, in 2021. He expressed satisfaction that the French antiterrorism judge was handling the case. Aboud's situation is one of several sensitive issues between Paris and Algiers, including the imprisonment of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes in Algeria since June 2025.
Another case involves Algerian opposition figure Amir Boukhors, who was abducted in the Paris region on April 29, 2024, and released on May 1. Like Aboud, Boukhors is wanted by Algerian authorities on a terrorism-related warrant. Aboud's case has garnered attention due to its connections to both French and Algerian authorities.
The Algerian government's alleged involvement in the murder attempt has strained relations between the two countries. Aboud's accusations against the Algerian regime have been a focal point in the investigation. The case continues to unfold with further developments expected.
The French justice system's handling of the case will be closely watched, given the complexities of international relations involved. Aboud's testimony and the evidence collected will be crucial in determining the outcome of the investigation and potential consequences for those involved.
Key points
- The Algerian opposition figure Hichem Aboud was questioned by a French antiterrorism judge regarding a 2025 murder attempt against him.
- Aboud accused the Algerian government of being behind the attempt.
- The case has added to tensions between Paris and Algiers, with several sensitive issues already straining relations between the two countries.
