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Summary of the Lecture on March 19, 1962: A Historical Reflection on Algerian Independence
On March 19, 1962, Algeria marked a pivotal moment known as "Victory Day," signifying the end of its war for independence from French colonial rule. A recent discussion in Algiers, held at the Chaïb-Dzaïr bookstore, explored this historic event and its lessons as part of the celebrations for the 63rd anniversary of the ceasefire. The event featured historian and author Amar Belkhodja who presented his thoughts in a conversational style, encouraging audience interaction.
Belkhodja’s presentation was structured around three main themes. He opened by revisiting the events leading up to March 19, highlighting critical milestones in the struggle for freedom. He underscored the "bad faith" of French authorities, who employed duplicity and diversion throughout the negotiations, evading a political resolution and prolonging the conflict. The speaker commended the Algerians’ "war diplomacy," which skillfully countered Colonel De Gaulle and Guy Mollet’s colonial strategies. Through diplomatic efforts, the Algerians isolated France on the global stage, compelling them to negotiate.
The second theme focused on the systematic use of torture by the French colonial regime as a brutal means of repression. Belkhodja characterized torture not merely as a practice of violence but as an official system intended to subjugate the Algerian populace. He noted that, historically, this aspect has not been sufficiently analyzed by Algerian historians, though some foreign scholars have written extensively about it, supporting the Algerian cause. He cited renowned figures like Jules Roy and Martine Le Coz, who condemned the atrocities inflicted on the Algerians through their writings.
In his final point, Belkhodja honored both Algerian and international lawyers who defended arrested Algerian militants faced with colonial oppression. He acknowledged the courage and commitment of various legal practitioners, including André Berthon and Jacques Vergès, who fought for justice amid a repressive regime. The lecturer highlighted that many of these lawyers faced violent suppression themselves, such as incarceration, torture, or even assassination, exemplifying the extreme measures undertaken by the colonial authorities to silence dissent.
As he concluded his talk, Belkhodja reflected on the memory of Ali Boumendjel, an activist who was thrown to his death from a building by French paratroopers during the Battle of Algiers. This reminder was poignant as the approaching National Lawyers’ Day is celebrated on March 23, honoring those who risked their lives to uphold justice during Algeria’s tumultuous fight for independence.
Amar Belkhodja, with a prolific background as an author and historian, has published over thirty works, including one focusing on Dalal Maghrabi, an Algerian Palestinian martyr. His insights and reflections during the discussion not only commemorated Algeria’s struggle for independence but also served as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of historical memory in contemporary society.
The lecture offered a thorough examination of a critical period in Algeria’s history, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made for freedom, the brutal realities of oppression, and the unwavering commitment of those who stood for justice. Through this engagement, Belkhodja highlighted the lessons that continue to resonate with the ongoing fight against injustice today.
