Algeria Takes a Major Step Toward Criminalizing French Colonialism with New Law
Algeria has officially revived a significant legislative effort to criminalize French colonialism, a project that had been abandoned multiple times over recent decades. This move comes amid heightened tensions with France, particularly over historical memory issues.
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Ibrahim Boughali, president of the National People’s Assembly (APN), Algeria’s lower parliamentary chamber, formally established an ad-hoc committee tasked with drafting a bill to criminalize colonialism.
Algeria Officially Relaunches Bill to Criminalize Colonialism
In his speech, Boughali noted that such a law has been proposed at least five times since the fourth legislative term (1997-2002). He also highlighted growing continental support, citing the 38th African Union (AU) Summit in February 2025, where heads of state adopted a resolution classifying slavery, deportation, and colonialism as crimes against humanity and genocide against African peoples.
Focusing on Algeria, Boughali reiterated President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s stance: “The memory issue does not fade with time or forgetfulness, nor does it allow for concessions or compromises. It will remain central to our concerns until it is addressed objectively and fairly in light of historical truth.”
Boughali Lists French Colonial Crimes in Algeria
“Colonialism is not to be glorified; it must be criminalized,” Boughali declared. He listed several atrocities committed during French colonial rule in Algeria, including the 1845 Dahra cave massacre, the 1852 Laghouat massacre involving biological weapons, the May 8, 1945 massacres, chemical tests at Oued Namous, nuclear explosions in Reggane and In Ecker, the use of anti-personnel mines, and the confinement of martyrs’ remains in French museums.
The committee’s formation coincided with the commemoration of Ali Boumendjel’s assassination on March 23, 1957, under torture by French soldiers. French authorities long claimed the Algerian nationalist had committed suicide, a narrative upheld until 2021 when France officially acknowledged his torture and murder, Boughali recalled.
The APN president paid tribute to “free pens” in France—journalists and writers documenting colonial crimes despite obstacles. He alluded to recent cases, such as French journalist Jean-Michel Aphatie and a censored France 5 documentary on chemical weapons.
Boughali dismissed claims from some in France that Algeria is using the memory issue as “a tool for pressure and bargaining.” He insisted that Algeria’s efforts are driven by “loyalty to our people’s sacrifices” and a “moral and historical duty to uncover the truth and secure recognition of the crimes committed.”
The committee, established on March 23, 2025, comprises seven deputies representing various parliamentary groups. It will have access to all necessary resources and can consult specialists and legal experts, Boughali assured, though he set no deadline for the bill’s submission.
