French Social Media Influencer Jailed For Six Months Over Dangerous Syringe Prank Videos

A French social media influencer known as 'Amine Mojito' has been sentenced to imprisonment for creating controversial 'syringe prank' videos that sparked widespread outrage across France. The court handed down a 12-month sentence, with six months suspended, after finding him guilty of "violence with a weapon that did not result in incapacity for work."

In addition to jail time, Mojito, whose real name is Ilan M., faces financial penalties of approximately Rs 1.56 lakh ($1,759.95) and a three-year prohibition on possessing or carrying weapons.

The controversial videos, which circulated just before World Music Day in June, showed Mojito pretending to inject unsuspecting individuals with empty syringes while recording their terrified reactions. His content went viral during a period when France was experiencing widespread panic over reported needle attacks at festivals and student gatherings, according to the New York Post.

During court proceedings, prosecutors argued that Mojito's pranks may have inadvertently encouraged these concerning behaviors. They characterized his actions as harassment and deliberate provocation, with one prosecutor describing him as a danger to public safety.

In his defense, the 27-year-old influencer claimed the videos were created solely for entertainment and humor. However, he acknowledged regretting his content and admitted he had underestimated the potential reactions it would trigger.

"I had the very bad idea of doing these pranks by imitating what I saw on the internet, in Spain, in Portugal. I didn't think it could hurt people. That was my mistake, I didn't think about others, I thought about myself," Mojito stated during the trial.

Public reaction to the sentencing on social media has been largely critical, with many users expressing disappointment that the punishment wasn't more severe. One user compared the prank to "running at you with a fake gun and firing a blank," while another questioned the deterrent effect of such a relatively brief sentence.

Another commenter highlighted the potential psychological impact on victims: "Can you imagine being one of the people this prick actually stuck the needle in. Having to wait months for test results, to see if an actual madman had infected you with a disease or poison that may cut your life short."

Mojito is expected to serve his six-month prison term unless he files an appeal against the sentence.