Algeria Declares France’s Colonial Rule a Crime in Historic New Law

Algeria’s parliament has enacted a historic law officially declaring France’s colonial rule over Algeria as a crime. This legislation recognizes the nearly 132 years of French colonization, from 1830 to 1962, as a period marked by repression, human rights abuses, and exploitation, condemning these acts as crimes against humanity.

Key Details of the Legislation

• The law was passed on June 25, 2024, after extensive debates in both the National Assembly and Senate.
• It acknowledges the colonial occupation’s severe impact on the Algerian people and their suffering.
• Measures included promote education about the colonial period in schools and encourage academic research and public discussions.
• The law calls for the preservation of historical sites related to Algeria’s independence struggle and colonial repression.

Reactions and Significance

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune hailed the law as a “historic achievement” and an essential step to honor victims of colonial violence, affirming Algerians’ right to justice and memory.

Internationally, the law has elicited mixed reactions:

1. France: Expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on diplomatic relations and disputed labeling the colonization as crimes under current international law.
2. Analysts: View the law as a powerful symbolic message emphasizing the importance of acknowledging historical injustices and the lasting effects of colonialism.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after a brutal liberation war causing millions of deaths and extensive devastation. The colonial legacy remains a significant influence on Algerian society and politics today.

The new law also supports Algeria’s demands for official apologies and compensation from France, although there has been no formal French response yet. Algeria intends to continue addressing the colonial past through legislation, diplomacy, and education, potentially influencing similar discussions globally.

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