⚖️ Historic Move: Algeria Set to Debate Bill Criminalizing French Colonialism

After over two decades of failed attempts, the Algerian People's National Assembly is moving forward with a decisive 54-article bill aimed at legally defining and criminalizing French colonial actions. The debate is officially scheduled for December 21, 2025.

Scope of the Legislation: The bill, drafted by a special commission established earlier this year, seeks to establish a permanent legal framework for addressing the 132-year colonial period.

• Crimes Against Humanity: The text formally classifies French military operations between 1830 and 1962 as crimes against humanity.

• 30 Categories of Crimes: The legislation lists specific acts as "imprescriptible" (meaning they can never expire under a statute of limitations), including nuclear testing in the Sahara, mass executions, torture, and systemic land confiscation.

• Diplomatic Consequences: Perhaps the most radical provision mandates a freeze on new bilateral agreements with France until Paris officially recognizes and apologizes for these colonial-era crimes.

This move marks a significant escalation in the "memory war" between Algiers and Paris, signaling that Algeria intends to use legal and economic leverage to settle historical grievances.