Allegations that Algerian activists of a pro-democracy protest movement were tortured in detention have prompted rights groups to demand an urgent probe.
Three members of a "terrorist group" were arrested after a bomb was defused in Algeria's capital.
Macron said his admission was made 'in the name of France'.
Thousands of Algerians held anti-government protests, reviving a two-year-old pro-democracy movement in spite of lockdown measures.
Protesters burnt tyres and blocked several roads in Ouargla after a court in the town convicted Ameur Guerrache to seven-years in prison.
Pro-independence rebels fighting Morocco for Western Sahara said the United Nations was responsible for "political deadlock" over the disputed territory, on the 45th anniversary of their unilateral declaration of independence.
Dozens of pro-democracy activists were released from jail, Algeria's justice ministry confirmed on Saturday.
Despite a ban on gatherings over the pandemic, crowds gathered in several neighbourhoods of Algiers on Friday.
Comment: Algeria's protesters returned to the streets this week, proving they haven't been weakened by the hiatus caused by the pandemic, or regime attempts to stifle them, writes Malia Bouattia.
Arrested on charges of "inciting an unarmed gathering" and "endangering national unity" after covering Hirak demonstrations, the 40-year-old was sentenced on appeal in September to two years in jail.