The Repression in Algeria: A Dark Chapter in France’s History
Background
In October 1961, Algeria was in the midst of the War of Independence, a rebellion against French colonial rule that had begun in 1954 and would continue until 1962. However, it was not just Algeria that was rebelling. Many other colonial countries were also expressing their dissatisfaction with French rule.
The birth of the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN)
During this period, the CRUA (Comité Révolutionnaire d’Unité et d’Action), an organization advocating for the liberation of Algeria, was formed. However, they were forced to abandon their initial intentions and later renamed themselves the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN). This marked the beginning of a bloody conflict that would spread from Algeria to Paris, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage.
Growing dissatisfaction among Algerians in France
The prolonged war took its toll on Algerians living in France, who grew increasingly weary of the never-ending conflict. They united and demanded that the French government recognize the independence of Algeria and lift the curfew imposed on Algerians. They could no longer bear living like animals in captivity while outsiders enjoyed freedom.
Marching for equality
In a bid to be treated equally, Algerians living in France rallied together, marching in unison, hoisting flags, and carrying weighty ideologies. They hoped that their actions would lead to fair treatment and equal rights for Algerians in the country.
Anti-immigrant sentiments in France
However, their dreams of equality and acceptance were shattered. Many French people harbored anti-immigrant sentiments, resenting the presence of foreigners on their soil. This prejudice, particularly towards individuals of African or Arab descent, often manifested in excessive police incidents that gained international attention.
The Tragic Story of Fatima Bedar
A Young Life Cut Short
On October 31, 1961, the body of 15-year-old Fatima Bedar was discovered in the River Seine, just days after French police had violently suppressed protests. Tragically, she had lost her life while striving to reclaim her freedom.
A Victim of Misunderstanding
Fatima, a diligent student with neatly braided hair, carried a school bag when she disappeared. However, the police, blinded by prejudice, labeled her a terrorist. The innocent actions of a young girl pursuing her beliefs were tragically misconstrued.
The Violent Repression
The police indiscriminately fired upon Algerians, regardless of their age or innocence. Orders were unclear, and the lifeless bodies were callously tossed into the Seine. Lives were snuffed out in an instant, leaving families mourning and wondering whether their loved ones were truly “dead” or merely unconscious.
“My sister was an outstanding student, but she was a bit too involved in politics.”
A Tearful Remembrance
Fatima’s six-year-old brother, who had grown up under her care, fondly recalls his sister’s nurturing presence. He admitted that he had spent a lot of time hoping, but now he knew he would never see her again.
Politics and a Drive for Justice
Fatima’s interest in politics likely stemmed from accompanying her father to FLN meetings, where she witnessed the unjust treatment of foreign workers. The Bedar family, having lived in Algeria before migrating to Paris in search of freedom, chose the city as the backdrop for their dreams.
Challenges and Hopes
At the age of six, Fatima faced the challenges of adapting to a new language, making friends, and embracing a new culture. She managed these adjustments with a resilient spirit, always excelling academically and lending a hand with household chores.
The Final Day
On October 17, 1961, Fatima, as usual, set off for school. Her mother, however, expressed concern, urging her not to go. Despite this, Fatima insisted on attending school, bidding her family farewell with a smile. Little did they know that it would be their last glimpse of her radiant face.
Injustice and Denial
The Tragic Discoveries
Ten days passed with no sign of Fatima. The family scoured the city, reporting her disappearance to the police, but their efforts proved futile. It was not until October 31 that bodies began emerging along the banks of the River Seine. As the Bedar family continued their search, they stumbled upon a figure lying face down, two carefully tied braids immediately revealing her identity as Fatima, their beloved missing girl.
The Police’s Denial
The police, however, denied their involvement in the tragedy of October 17, attributing Fatima’s death to suicide. Her demise was deemed inconsequential, and the case was hastily closed, with no genuine investigation conducted.
Lessons Unheeded
A Legacy of Bloodshed
From 1961 until today, the French government has been aware of the appalling events that took place during this period. While some acknowledgments have been made to the French people and the international community about the unforgivable actions of the past, a direct apology remains nonexistent.
Repeating History
Tragically, history repeats itself 62 years later with the unjust killing of a 17-year-old boy by the police. Ethnic prejudice serves as the blinding force that tramples on human dignity. Such incidents illustrate the urgent need to address biases that obscure the worth and dignity of individuals, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity.
The loss of countless lives underscores the critical importance of confronting and dismantling covert prejudice. Every human being deserves equal respect and recognition.
Photo credit: Getty Images
References:
- Chutidej Medechutikul. “Internal politics, leadership and foreign policy: De Gaulle and the shaping of French foreign policy on the Algerian War.” Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 46, No 1 (2016): 117-139. Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.
Back before the repression in Algeria in October 1961, that period coincided with the War of Independence that took place from 1954 to 1962. Algeria was not the only rebellion against France. But many colonial countries also began to show dissatisfaction.
In Algeria, the CRUA (Comité Révolutionnaire d’Unité et d’Action) was formed using a revolutionary model for the liberation of Algeria. But a matter of having to give up the intention. It was later renamed the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN), and that was the beginning of the bloodshed that spread from Algeria to Paris. A country that everyone dreams of wanting to experience the richness of culture.
Of course, the prolonged war made Algerians in France begin to sigh. They were fed up with endless conflict. They came together to demand that the French government recognize the independence of Algeria. At the same time, he asked them to lift the curfew on Algerians. Because if there is still a curfew like this Their lives were no different to animals in cages. Keep an eye on outsiders living freely without being able to live at all
And that is why they persuaded each other to march in unison, holding flags and carrying heavy ideologies. with the hope that Algerians living in France will be treated equally.
But it is only a dream from that day to this day. Many French people are still anti-immigrant. They are not happy to see strangers sharing the same land. Where the people who are particularly racist are inevitably black people or people of Arab descent.
And that is why France often has excessive police incidents that come out to the world from time to time.
girl in the river seine
Fatima Bedar was just 15 years old when her body was found in the River Seine on October 31, 1961, days after French police had murdered people.
It was only this young man’s fault She chooses to claim Freedom returned to her own little hands. return not as expected Her life was taken within hours of walking in the protest process.
Fatima had just finished school. She is carrying a school bag. Both braids are neatly kept. This is what the claimant saw. but the police considered her a terrorist
Without exception, police officers fired at Algerians, adults and children. No one knew who gave the order. There was only a soulless body strewn in the middle of the road. when they fall The police will carry the bodies together and throw them into the Seine. Innocent lives ended in the blink of an eye whether they were ‘absolutely dead’ or ‘stunned’.
“My sister is a good student. But like she’s a little too interested in politics.”
A younger brother who is six years younger than Fatima shares his memories of Fatima. The eldest sister who raised him from childhood So she is no different from another mother whom he loves and bonds with.
“I spent a lot of time thinking about it. until I was sure I’d never see her again.”
As for the reason that got Fatima interested in politics, it’s probably because every time my father goes to a meeting with the FLN, she always asks to go with him. made her see the unreasonable actions of the French authorities against foreign workers Because before that, the Bedar family had always lived in Algeria. Before emigrating to seek freedom in a new country, choosing Paris as a place to create dreams
Six-year-old Fatima had to make a big adjustment. She had to learn a new language, make new friends, and understand a new culture, even if it turned her head around a lot. But she was happy in a city not far from Paris.
Of course, women of Algerian descent are good at everything. She is a good student. Get on well with friends They are also always keen to help at home with work.
October 17, 1961 Fatima goes to school as usual. But this time her mother encouraged her not to go to Paris. But Fatima did not agree. she smiled at her mother before saying goodbye as always But this was the last time the Bedar family saw their only daughter’s bright smile.
life was taken
It’s been ten days since Fatima disappeared, no sign, no sign of life. Even if the family is looking for reporting to the police and published throughout the city but no one saw her Her lost life was blown away as a useless thing. There was not even an explanation of where Fatima had disappeared to.
It was not until October 31 that the bodies of the deceased began to surface on the banks of the river Seine. The Bedars are still looking for her, as always. and stumbled upon a figure lying face down I saw only two braids that were carefully tied together. Her father immediately recognized that Fatima was like that…the missing girl
Although it appears that Fatima died in the tragedy on October 17th, But the police denied everything, saying only that Fatima died by suicide. Her death was therefore not relevant to the police. and close the case without investigating the truth
Between 1961 and 2023, the French government was always aware of the bloody events. But just came out to tell the people. Including the people of the world who The actions of the past are unforgivable. But there is still no direct apology for the incident.
And history repeats itself 62 years later, when the police unjustly kill a 17-year-old boy. because of the ethnic prejudice that blinds and is ready to trample on human dignity Just because they have different nationalities and skin colors.
I don’t know how many more lives I have to lose. The obscure bias will be blurred until it becomes clear regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. They were all human beings with the same dignity and worth.
photo: Getty Images
refer to:
Chutidej Medechutikul Internal politics, leadership and foreign policy: De Gaulle and the shaping of French foreign policy on the Algerian War. Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 46, No 1 (2016): 117-139. Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.
#Fatima #Bedar #15yearold #French #activist #Algerian #independence #killed #police #dumped #river
