Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring France's colonisation of the North African state a crime, and demanding an apology and reparations. The law also criminalises the glorification of colonialism, state-run TV reports. The vote is the latest sign of increasingly strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, with some observers saying they are at their lowest since Algeria gained independence 63 years ago.
France's colonialisation of Algeria between 1830 and 1962 was marked by mass killings, large-scale deportations and ended in a bloody war of independence. Algeria claims that the war killed 1.5 million people, while French historians put the death toll significantly lower.
President Emmanuel Macron of France has previously acknowledged that the colonisation of Algeria was a crime against humanity but has not offered an official apology. Lawmakers in Algeria expressed their support for the bill by wearing scarves in the colors of the national flag and chanting 'long live Algeria'.
The new legislation states that France has 'legal responsibility' for the 'tragedies it caused', and outlines that 'full and fair' compensation is an 'inalienable right' of the Algerian state and its people. The law comes amid mounting pressure on Western nations to address historical injustices related to colonialism and slavery.
Algerian lawmakers have also called for France to return significant cultural artefacts, including a 16th-century bronze cannon known as Baba Merzoug. This cannon, which is seen as a protector of Algiers, was taken by French forces during their conquest of the city.
This parliamentary move represents a broader quest for recognition and restitution from nations that have historically occupied or exploited various territories across the globe. As diplomatic tensions simmer, both countries find themselves reflecting on a shared, albeit painful past.
France's colonialisation of Algeria between 1830 and 1962 was marked by mass killings, large-scale deportations and ended in a bloody war of independence. Algeria claims that the war killed 1.5 million people, while French historians put the death toll significantly lower.
President Emmanuel Macron of France has previously acknowledged that the colonisation of Algeria was a crime against humanity but has not offered an official apology. Lawmakers in Algeria expressed their support for the bill by wearing scarves in the colors of the national flag and chanting 'long live Algeria'.
The new legislation states that France has 'legal responsibility' for the 'tragedies it caused', and outlines that 'full and fair' compensation is an 'inalienable right' of the Algerian state and its people. The law comes amid mounting pressure on Western nations to address historical injustices related to colonialism and slavery.
Algerian lawmakers have also called for France to return significant cultural artefacts, including a 16th-century bronze cannon known as Baba Merzoug. This cannon, which is seen as a protector of Algiers, was taken by French forces during their conquest of the city.
This parliamentary move represents a broader quest for recognition and restitution from nations that have historically occupied or exploited various territories across the globe. As diplomatic tensions simmer, both countries find themselves reflecting on a shared, albeit painful past.
