French influencer jailed for syringe prank videos

French influencer jailed for syringe prank videos

A French influencer known as Amine Mojito (real name Ilan M.) has been convicted and jailed over prank videos in which he pretended to inject strangers with a syringe. His actions stirred public outrage because they came amid real fears about needle-attack incidents in France.

The court in Paris handed him a sentence of 12 months in prison, though six months are suspended, meaning only six months must be served in custody. Alongside the jail term, he was fined €1,500 and banned from owning or carrying weapons for three years.

Although the syringe was empty, with its cap still on, the prank caused “serious fear” among those who thought they were being stabbed or injected. Authorities said his videos aggravated public panic, especially since many people were already terrified by reports of actual syringe attacks during festivals.

In court, Amine Mojito expressed regret. He said he was imitating content he saw online from other countries and hadn’t considered the harm such stunts could inflict. He admitted he “didn’t think about others” and underestimated how frightening his acts were.

The conviction reflects how legal systems in various countries are starting to clamp down on prank content when it causes distress or risk. Even when no physical harm occurs, moral and legal responsibilities come into play when people’s sense of safety is threatened.