The lower house of the French parliament has passed a resolution denouncing the Paris police’s lethal actions against Algerian demonstrators during a 1961 protest advocating for Algerian independence.
This historical event, long obscured by French authorities, is now receiving overdue acknowledgment, aligning with France’s recent efforts to confront its colonial legacy in Algeria. President Emmanuel Macron has labelled the massacre as “inexcusable,” shedding light on a dark chapter in history.
The resolution, spearheaded by lawmakers Sabrina Sebaihi and Julie Delpech, emphasises the responsibility of police prefect Maurice Papon in the crackdown and advocates for the official commemoration of the victims.
While the passage of the resolution is significant, the term “state crime” is notably absent from the text, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding this issue in both France and Algeria.
The vote, supported mainly by left-wing representatives and Macron’s party, marks a crucial first step in acknowledging this colonial atrocity. However, opposition from the far-right National Rally party highlights ongoing divisions regarding historical accountability.
Former Paris police chief Papon’s collaboration with Nazi occupiers during World War II, as well as his involvement in the deportation of Jews, further underscores the complex and troubling nature of France’s past actions.
Despite his later conviction for crimes against humanity, Papon’s release serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in reckoning with past atrocities.
