Algeria buried the bodies of the 24 resistance fighters returned from Paris almost after more than a century. The ceremony happened at the time when the country was celebrating its 58th national freedom from France.
The remains for the fighters (skull) shot and executed during the France penetration into the country were laid to rest on Sunday. An emotional ceremony attended by major government officials at the El Alia cemetery.
Algeria Heroes who fought for the independence
Coffins wrapped with the country’s flag were lowered into graves in the Martyr’s Square. The colonial heroes were accorded last respect. And buried alongside national top revolt leader Emir Abdelkader.
During the burial, an elite unit of the Republican Guard exchanged arms while the funeral march played during the ceremony.
The bodies (skull) once viewed as war trophies by the French officers, were brought into the country on Friday. And moved to the Palace of Culture where they were displayed for viewing.
The flying back of the skulls was the result of years of hardworking Algerian historians. Meanwhile, it comes during an expanding global calculation with the legacy of colonialism
The President asks France to Apologize
The President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was present during the ceremony on Saturday. He said it is a new chapter of years of bad relations with their colonial power and intern, called Paris to confessions for its brutal rule in the past years.
“We have already have had half-apologies. The next step needed …we wait “
He told the news Chanel France in an interview.
Taking about apology, the President says the apology was necessary to face the problem that make vulnerable many things in the friendship between the two countries.
“It would make it possible to reduce tensions and create a friendly atmosphere for growth and economic and cultural relations, especially for the more than six million Algerians who live in the France.”
President said.
Long Process
Despite the day was sunny, Algerians formed a long queue outside the palace to pay last respect. Men and women waited in the line, wept and many with a lot of emotional feelings. As according to recordings played by many televisions stations in the country.
One of the many patriots in the line (Ali Zemlat) was captured and these were his sad and true words.
“I came as a fighter, as an invalid from the war of liberation, as a citizen who loves his country”
The old man, at 85 years of age fought in the fierce 1954-1962 battle that ended France’s 132 years of harsh colonial rule in Algeria.
Moreover the 24 fought French colonial powers who occupied Algeria in 1830 and participated in the 1849 revolt. After they were beheaded, their skulls were taken to the colonial masters in France as trophies. And as a win over Algeria.
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