Algeria Criminalizes French Colonization
World
The Algerian parliament has passed a law criminalizing French colonization, demanding an official apology from Paris. France condemned the initiative as “hostile” but affirmed its readiness to continue cooperation.
On December 24, Algeria’s National People’s Assembly unanimously adopted a law recognizing French colonization (1830–1962) as a state crime. The law calls for an official apology from France and full compensation for material and moral damages.
The law lists “colonial crimes,” including nuclear tests, extrajudicial killings, torture, and systematic looting. It comprises 27 articles and imposes criminal liability for glorifying or promoting colonialism.
Assembly President Ibrahim Boufal stated that colonization was “a complete project of expropriation and waste” and emphasized the international legal basis of the law.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the law a “hostile initiative” but emphasized Paris’ commitment to continuing dialogue with Algeria, including joint historical research and cooperation on security and migration.
Tensions between France and Algeria are rising despite years of attempts at joint work on historical memory and research.
The law lists “colonial crimes,” including nuclear tests, extrajudicial killings, torture, and systematic looting. It comprises 27 articles and imposes criminal liability for glorifying or promoting colonialism.
Assembly President Ibrahim Boufal stated that colonization was “a complete project of expropriation and waste” and emphasized the international legal basis of the law.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the law a “hostile initiative” but emphasized Paris’ commitment to continuing dialogue with Algeria, including joint historical research and cooperation on security and migration.
Tensions between France and Algeria are rising despite years of attempts at joint work on historical memory and research.
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