Algeria’s parliament unanimously passed a law on 24 December, 2025 declaring France’s colonial rule from 1830 to 1962 a state crime. The law demands a formal apology and compensation from France. State news agency reported that members of parliament wore scarves in the national colors and chanted “Long live Algeria” as the law was passed. 

Leaders said the issue was deeply connected to the country’s history and national memory. However, there has been no official response from France on the matter yet.

Main Provisions of the Law

The new law consists of a total of 27 articles. It calls for the French state to accept legal responsibility for various crimes committed during the colonial period. The law mentions extrajudicial killings, torture and the planned looting of natural resources. 

It also identifies nuclear tests in the Sahara region as serious crimes. The law states that Algeria has the right to fair and full compensation for these events.

His...