Algiers – The Algerian People’s National Assembly is reviewing a proposed law that would criminalize French colonialism. The draft legislation, recently examined by the Assembly’s office, has been referred to the Defense Committee for further study before being presented for a vote in a plenary session in the coming days.
The proposed law, comprised of five chapters and 27 articles, aims to criminalize French colonialism in Algeria from June 14, 1830, to July 5, 1962, and its direct and indirect consequences. According to Article 2, the law seeks to recognize French colonialism as a state crime that violates humanitarian, political, and economic principles enshrined in international and national laws, charters, and norms.
Article 7 defines as high treason any form of collaboration by Harkis (Algerians who fought alongside the French during the Algerian War) and those considered as such, with the colonial authorities against various forms of struggle and resistance for the restoration of national sovereignty and independence.
Chapter Three, titled “Responsibility and Implementation Mechanisms,” holds the French state legally responsible for its colonial past and its resulting tragedies (Article 8). Article 10 asserts the right of the Algerian state and people to full and fair compensation for all material and moral damages caused by French colonialism. Article 12 stipulates that the Algerian state will work to recover misappropriated treasury funds.
Furthermore, Article 17 of Chapter Four, which outlines penal provisions, defines the promotion of colonialism as any media, academic, cultural, or political activity that aims to revive or praise colonial ideas or deny its status as a crime. According to Article 18, individuals engaged in such activities face the loss of civil and political rights, and are subject to imprisonment for a period of 5 to 10 years and a fine ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 Algerian dinars.
The proposed law reflects Algeria’s ongoing efforts to address the legacy of French colonialism and seek justice for the suffering endured during that period. The bill is expected to generate significant debate both within Algeria and internationally.
