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Historians say that on October 17, 1961, at least 120 Algerian protesters were killed by the Paris police during a demonstration against discriminatory policies.
The commemorative event was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the bloody suppression of Algerians by the Paris police, which took place in the last year of the struggle for independence from colonial France.
Human rights and anti-racist groups and the Algerian Association held a tribute march in Paris on Sunday and called on the authorities to recognize France’s responsibility for the “tragedy and terror” associated with the Algerian War of Independence.
Participants of the commemoration called on the authorities to release the archives of the bloodshed in the French capital that day.
Historian Naima Huber Yahi told Al Jazeera: “On this 60th anniversary, it is time for the highest level of the state to make a strong statement.”
On October 17, 1961, protesters held a peaceful demonstration in the Paris area against the discriminatory night curfew against Algerians. About 12,000 Algerians were arrested, dozens were killed, and their bodies were thrown into the Seine River.
‘Unforgivable crime’
French President Emmanuel Macron confessed to the crimes committed by the French authorities on this day, which have been covered up for decades.
“The repression is cruel, violent and bloody,” Macron said in a statement issued on Saturday, calling the massacre “unforgivable.”
According to Macron’s office, historians say at least 120 protesters have died. Since the file is still partially closed, the exact figure has never been determined.Some estimates indicate Up to 300 people were killed.
Macron Pay tribute to the victims Saturday on the Bezons Bridge on the Seine River in northwest Paris. He was the first president to participate in the Holocaust commemoration.
At the event, Macron told relatives and activists that suppressing the protests under the command of the infamous Paris police chief Maurice Papen was an “unforgivable crime.”
However, he did not give a public speech and formally apologized.
Algerian journalist Maher Mezahi told Al Jazeera that Macron’s behavior did not meet expectations.
“He didn’t realize the country’s responsibility in this massacre at all,” Mezzahi said.
In acknowledging the responsibility of the police authorities, the president does not recognize the role of colonialism and racism supported by the state.
“The French authorities always take a half step,” he added.
“Systemic torture”
The president’s move was part of a series of steps he took to resolve the cruel history of France and Algeria, which had been under French rule for 132 years before independence in 1962.
Earlier this year, he announced his decision to expedite the declassification of secret documents related to Algeria’s 1954-62 War of Independence from France.
In 2018, Macron officially admitted that the French government was responsible for the death of Algerian dissident Maurice Audin in 1957, and for the first time admitted that the French military used systematic torture during the war.
Mezzahi said that France still has “a lot of anxiety” about integration, French society has not fully accepted Algerians, and Algerians do not have a complete French feeling.
France is expected to hold presidential elections in April 2022, and the far-right may further incite sentiment towards immigrants.
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