The National People's Assembly of Algeria is on the verge of an important vote scheduled for December 24. The parliament is considering a bill that will officially classify the policy of French colonization, which spanned the 19th and 20th centuries, as a crime.
The bill states that colonization, which began with the aggression on June 14, 1830, and ended on July 5, 1962, is recognized as criminal, including its consequences, which are still felt today, even after gaining independence.
If the bill is passed, it will be a landmark event in the history of the Algerian parliament, as it will be the first initiative fully developed by the legislators themselves since 1997, bypassing the government. Experts note that this approach gives the document political significance, especially against the backdrop of complex relations between Algeria and France.
Historical Memory and France's Responsibility
The authors of the bill emphasize that France must bear responsibility for "inhumane actions," including crimes that violate international norms.
The discussion of the bill began on December 21 at an open meeting. The Speaker of Parliament, Ibrahim Bougali, noted that this initiative is not directed against the French people. He stressed the need to restore historical justice.
"The criminalization of colonialism is not revenge or incitement to hatred, but a reminder that crimes against humanity have no statute of limitations," the speaker stated.
In his opinion, true reconciliation between Algeria and France is only possible after Paris acknowledges the crimes of the colonial period and offers official apologies.
List of Crimes and Accountability Measures
The document lists about 30 different crimes committed during the colonization period, including extrajudicial executions, torture, abductions, rapes, and the use of prohibited weapons. It also mentions environmental disasters, such as nuclear tests during the French occupation, the consequences of which are still felt in the country.
Furthermore, the bill introduces criminal liability for insulting national memory and any forms of glorification of French colonialism, providing for imprisonment of 5 to 10 years for such actions.
Algerian deputies also remind of the ban on education in the Arabic language, the imposition of Christianization, the desecration of mosques, and the forced mobilization of Algerians into the French army during both world wars.
Historical Context and International Aspects
The French occupation of Algeria lasted more than 130 years, and the country gained independence in 1962 after a bloody national liberation war. However, Paris continued to conduct nuclear tests in the Sahara Desert until 1966, which also highlights the complexity of historical relations.
In recent years, the issue of colonial past has once again become relevant for African countries. Earlier, Deputy Ahmed Sadouk noted the need for a unified position among countries on the continent regarding reparations from former metropolises.
In early December, at an international conference in Algeria, African states adopted a declaration calling on former colonial powers to acknowledge their responsibility and develop compensation mechanisms.
