Algerian national charged in France after social media videos show gunfire and extremist statements

A 35-year-old Algerian national has been charged with "criminal conspiracy" by the French anti-terrorism public prosecutor's office Pnat. The man, an undocumented Algerian resident, was arrested in Saint-Étienne after posting two videos on social media. In one video, he expressed a desire to "die as a martyr," and in the other, he was seen firing a weapon into the air in the street. He is currently in provisional detention. The Pnat opened a criminal investigation on the Friday before Easter Monday, with the charge of "terrorist criminal conspiracy," as the suspect is believed to be preparing crimes against individuals. The investigation also covers the illegal possession of Category B weapons and ammunition for "terrorist purposes." While five other individuals were initially detained, they have since been released without charges. The Pnat stated that, at this stage, no place of worship has been identified as a target for the suspect, despite the Minister of Interior, Laurent Nuñez, having urged "extreme vigilance" for religious buildings during holidays due to a heightened "terrorist risk" in France.