Suspect Arrested and Charged in Murder of Christian TikToker in France
An Algerian citizen, age 27, has been formally charged in France for the killing of Ashur Sarnaya, an Assyrian Christian TikTok personality from Iraq. The indictment includes “murder in connection with a terrorist organisation” and “criminal terrorist association,” according to the French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT).
“This is more than a crime, it is a message, a political act,” said the lawyer for the victim’s family.
The victim, aged 45, succumbed to his injuries after being attacked while livestreaming. Known for his strong Christian faith, Sarnaya actively shared religious content on social media platforms.
Details of the Arrest
The suspect, identified as S.B., was arrested on 2 October in Andria, southern Italy. He had fled there with friends after a European arrest warrant was issued. Following his extradition to France on 27 October, he was officially charged the next day.
Investigation Findings
- Data from the suspect’s mobile phone placed him at the scene between 9:15 p.m. and 10:50 p.m.
- Several witnesses reported seeing a suspicious man lingering nearby before fleeing shortly after the attack.
- Investigators also found that on the day of the murder, the suspect watched the victim’s livestream for about thirty minutes.
Context
The case has drawn significant attention in France, highlighting tensions surrounding faith-based expression on social media and the threat of extremist violence.
Author’s summary: French prosecutors charged a 27-year-old Algerian man with the terrorist-linked murder of Christian TikToker Ashur Sarnaya, whose public faith expression made him a target.