Algerian parliament considers bill to criminalize French colonialism for the first time.
The Algerian parliament on Saturday began a public examination of a bill that would “criminalize” French colonialism in the country between 1830 and 1962 for the first time in its history.
The session was held in the form of a public session of the National People’s Assembly, and the speaker of the parliament, Ibrahim Boughali, was tasked with presenting the bill to the deputies and members of the government present.
Previously, all of Algeria’s parliamentary factions had agreed to entrust Boughali with presenting the bill; a move they said was a “national and comprehensive demand” that transcended political and party differences and reflected a national consensus on preserving historical memory and defending the legacy of the Algerian people’s struggle.
During the presentation of the bill, Boughali stressed: “This session is not a normal parliamentary process, but rather a sovereign act, a moral stance and a clear political message that signifies the inalienable right of Algeria and loyalty to the sacrifices of the nation and the message of the martyrs.”
He added that the bill, which enumerates the crimes of French colonialism, determines the responsibility of the French government, foresees mechanisms for demanding official recognition and an official apology, as well as criminalizing the glorification of colonialism, was drafted not against the French people, but in line with historical truth-telling.
According to the speaker of the Algerian parliament, the bill is based on the clear principle that “crimes against humanity do not disappear with the passage of time, are not justified by force, and will not be closed with silence.”
The bill was drafted by a seven-member committee consisting of representatives of parliamentary factions and one independent representative and is scheduled to be voted on Wednesday, along with several other laws.
The bill is being reviewed at a time when Algerian-French relations are going through one of their most tense periods. The escalation of tensions occurred especially after Paris supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, an issue that contradicts Algeria’s position in supporting the region’s right to self-determination.
In addition, historical differences over the consequences of 130 years of French colonialism in Algeria remain one of the main factors in the ongoing crisis in relations between the two countries.