Algerian speaker calls for law criminalising French colonialism
On January 30th, Algerian Parliamentary Speaker Ibrahim Boughali called for the passing of a draft law criminalizing French colonialism as tensions grow between Algeria and France.
According to Anadolu Agency, Boughali who is Speaker of the Algerian National People’s Assembly, spoke out against “repeated French attacks that refuse to cease, aimed at tarnishing Algeria’s image.”
“Now, we say the time has come to put the draft law criminalizing colonialism on the table so that it takes its natural course,” Boughali went on to state in an interview with Echorouk TV.
This is the first time a senior Algerian official has publicly called for the passing of a law to criminalise France’s 132 year colonial rule in Algeria.
Boughali said the proposed law was first introduced in 2006 in response to France’s law on “the positive aspects of colonialism,” which was passed in French parliament in 2005.
The draft law has now reached Boughali’s office, requiring further changes before it is formally presented for review.
He has suggested that the proposed law should be presented “on behalf of the Algerian people, not just a political bloc within parliament.”
Boughali spoke highly of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, saying he has handled relations with France with “wisdom and pragmatism, based on mutual respect and equality.”
However, he suggested France have not been cooperative historically, accusing Paris of lacking a serious commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
All this comes after a rise in tensions between Algeria and France after according to Maghrebi, a sixth Algerian influencer was arrested in France on January 22nd .
Anadolu Agency, The Guardian, Maghrebi
