Algiers – In a landmark legislative session, the Algerian People’s National Assembly today unanimously approved a law criminalizing French colonialism. The move is being hailed as a historic step, reflecting Algeria’s unwavering commitment to its historical memory and the pursuit of historical justice.
The final draft of the law was presented to the parliamentarians during a plenary session held on December 21st. It garnered broad support, recognizing its national significance and the legal and sovereign principles it embodies.
The law, comprising 26 articles, is grounded in international law and the United Nations charters that enshrine the right of peoples to self-determination and uphold the principle of non-impunity. It also underscores the necessity of providing redress to peoples affected by colonialism.
The core objective of the legislation is to criminalize French colonialism in Algeria, spanning from the aggression of June 14, 1830, until July 5, 1962. It acknowledges the direct and indirect repercussions that have persisted beyond independence.
Under this law, French colonialism is classified as a “state crime” that violates human, political, economic, and cultural values and principles, as stipulated in international and national laws and norms.
The legal text also commits the Algerian state to uncovering and disseminating historical truths related to that period, safeguarding national memory and solidifying historical accuracy.This is a crucial step in preserving Algeria’s heritage.
The law details various forms of colonial crimes, including systematic killings, military attacks against civilians, excessive use of armed force, the use of internationally prohibited weapons, the laying of mines, and the conduct of nuclear tests and explosions. Other condemned acts include extrajudicial executions, plundering of resources, the imposition of exceptional laws on Algerians, and the widespread practice of physical and psychological torture.
This legislative initiative reinforces the path towards recognizing colonial crimes and solidifying the principle of historical justice, in line with the aspirations of the Algerian people to safeguard national memory and defend their sovereignty.
