Algeria Moves to Criminalize French Colonial Rule

Algeria's parliament passed a new law on Wednesday. The law formally declares French colonization a crime. The move demands "apologies" and "reparations" from France. It comes during a period of increased diplomatic tension between the two nations. The law itself does not specify what the reparations should include. It establishes a legal framework for the Algerian state to pursue its claims. France colonized Algeria for 132 years, until a bloody war led to independence in 1962. Historical memory of the period remains a sensitive issue. Relations between Paris and Algiers have been strained for months. Algeria recalled its ambassador to France in late 2023.