Algeria criminalizes French colonization after members of the National People’s Assembly (APN) adopted a landmark bill defining colonial abuses committed between 1830 and 1962 as “crimes of state,” marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing effort to preserve national memory and address the legacy of colonial rule. The text was approved during a plenary session on Monday chaired by APN President Brahim Boughali, in the presence of Minister of Mujahideen and Beneficiaries Abdelmalek Tacherift and Minister of Relations with Parliament Nadjiba Djilali.
The bill had previously been approved unanimously by APN deputies on December 24 before undergoing amendments during parliamentary review. Lawmakers ultimately endorsed a revised version that establishes a legal framework recognizing colonial-era abuses while clarifying several controversial provisions included in the earlier draft.
According to the adopted text, crimes committed during the period of French rule in Algeria between 1830 and 1962 are formally characterized as crimes committed by the colonial state. The legislation also introduces criminal penalties for any acts that glorify colonialism or attempt to justify it in public discourse.
Speaking after the vote, Minister Abdelmalek Tacherift described the adoption of the law as an important milestone in protecting Algeria’s historical memory. He said the legislation reflects the country’s commitment to safeguarding the sacrifices made by the Algerian people during the struggle for independence.
Tacherift added that the law represents “a reference point for a new stage of legal sovereignty in the protection of national memory,” emphasizing that it aims to strengthen Algeria’s institutional approach to addressing the legacy of colonialism.
During the legislative process, the joint parliamentary committee responsible for reconciling differences between the two chambers introduced several modifications. Among the most notable changes was the removal of a provision in the initial draft that explicitly required financial compensation.
The revised version also replaces a previous article concerning formal apologies from France. Instead, the new wording states that the Algerian state will use all available legal and judicial mechanisms to seek official recognition from France of its colonial past.
Parliamentarians involved in reviewing the text explained that the committee worked to clarify legal terminology and harmonize the various provisions of the bill. The goal, according to the committee’s report, was to create a coherent legal framework reflecting Algeria’s sovereign position on historical memory.
The report noted that the law aims to move the debate surrounding colonial crimes beyond symbolic or moral recognition and into a more structured legal and institutional approach. It also seeks to frame historical and legal responsibility in a way that reflects the seriousness of violations committed during the colonial period.
In addition to recognizing colonial abuses as crimes of state, the new law establishes strict penalties for individuals who promote or glorify colonialism. Under the legislation, anyone who promotes colonial ideology through media, academic work, cultural activities, or political discourse could face prison sentences ranging from five to ten years.
The law also imposes financial penalties between 500,000 and 1,000,000 Algerian dinars for such offenses. Authorities say the provisions aim to prevent attempts to justify or rehabilitate colonial practices in public debate.
Further penalties are introduced for acts considered to glorify colonialism through speech, writings, images, videos, or other forms of communication. Individuals found guilty of such acts may face prison sentences between three and five years, along with fines ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 dinars. Repeat offenders could see these penalties doubled.
The legislation also revisits the classification of Harkis—Algerians who fought alongside the French colonial army during the war of independence. Under the new text, their involvement is no longer legally categorized as “high treason,” but instead as “treason.”
Algerian authorities maintain that the country’s primary demand regarding the colonial period has not been financial compensation or formal apologies from France. Instead, officials emphasize the importance of official recognition of colonial crimes and addressing the lasting consequences of French nuclear tests conducted in the Algerian Sahara.
The adoption of the law is likely to further shape debates on historical memory and relations between Algeria and France, as both countries continue to grapple with the complex legacy of more than a century of colonial rule.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.