Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Algeria Declares French Colonization a Crime
Algeria's government has passed a new law that says France's colonization of Algeria was a crime.
This law wants France to give back things taken during colonization, like old records and belongings.
It also wants France to return the remains of people who fought against the French.
The law says that celebrating French colonization in Algeria is not allowed and can lead to punishment.
France says this law is mean and could make their relationship worse.
Algeria's leaders say this is an important step to remember and honor those who fought for their country's freedom.
Algerian lawmakers voted to declare France’s colonization of Algeria a crime.
The law demands the return of archives, assets, and remains of resistance fighters.
France denounced the legislation as a hostile act.
The law includes prison sentences for celebrating French colonialism in Algeria.
The vote was highly symbolic, with 340 of 407 members of the lower house approving the bill.
- Who
- Algerian lawmakers and French government
- What
- Algeria passed a law declaring French colonization a crime and demanding restitution
- When
- December 24, 2025
- Where
- Algeria
- Why
- To address historical injustices and seek reparations for colonial-era abuses
- Period Covered
- 1830 to 1962
- Votes in Favor
- 340
- Total Parliament Members
- 407
- Key Demands
- Return of archives, assets, and remains of resistance fighters
- French Reaction
- Denounced as a hostile act
- Algerian Speaker
- Mohamed Boughali
- Bill Initiator
- Mohamed Arezki Ferrad
- Law Chapters
- 5
- Law Articles
- 27