On the occasion of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the November 1 Revolution, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune issued a presidential decree pardoning more than 4,000 people imprisoned.
The Algerian Al-Nahar channel reported, “The presidential decree of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stipulates that imprisoned and non-imprisoned persons who have been permanently sentenced on the date of signing the decree will benefit from amnesty procedures on the occasion of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the revolution.”
According to the decree, “Persons who are not imprisoned and have been permanently sentenced, and whose sentence or the remainder of their sentence is equal to or less than 24 months, will benefit from a complete pardon of punishment, while persons who have been imprisoned and who have been permanently sentenced, and whose remainder of their sentence is equal to or less than 18 months,” will benefit from a complete pardon of punishment.
According to the decree, “Persons who have been permanently sentenced to imprisonment and whose remaining sentence is more than 18 months and equal to or less than 30 years will benefit from a partial reduction in the sentence for a period of 18 months, according to the presidential decree.”
“Algerians celebrate the anniversary of the start of the Algerian Revolution in 1954, which led to the country’s independence from French colonialism in 1962.”
Last updated: November 5, 2024 – 20:35
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Time.news Interview: Celebrating History and Justice
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Amina Lahouari, a historian and expert in Algerian politics, to discuss the recent presidential decree issued by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which pardoned over 4,000 individuals in light of the 70th anniversary of the November 1 Revolution. Dr. Lahouari, welcome!
Dr. Amina Lahouari: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: To begin, could you explain the significance of the November 1 Revolution and what it represents for Algeria?
Dr. Lahouari: Absolutely. The November 1 Revolution marked the beginning of the Algerian War of Independence against French colonial rule in 1954. It is a pivotal moment in our history that symbolizes the struggle for freedom and national identity. This anniversary serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless Algerians and the long fight for sovereignty.
Editor: This year, President Tebboune’s decree for amnesty is quite notable. What do you think is the motivation behind this decision?
Dr. Lahouari: The decision seems to reflect a desire for reconciliation and healing, especially within a society still grappling with the legacies of past conflicts. By pardoning over 4,000 individuals, the government aims to foster a sense of unity as the nation reflects on its shared history. It’s also a strategic move to bolster national pride and show a commitment to justice and social harmony.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. The decree mentions that both imprisoned and non-imprisoned individuals who have been permanently sentenced will benefit from these amnesty procedures. Can you shed some light on what kind of cases might fall under this decree?
Dr. Lahouari: Typically, amnesty laws can include a range of offenses, from those related to political dissent to minor criminal charges. It will be crucial to see the specifics of this decree. Ideally, it should focus on cases stemming from political expression rather than serious crimes, as this would truly reflect a commitment to democratic freedoms and human rights.
Editor: Absolutely. Now, looking at the larger picture, how might this amnesty influence Algeria’s political landscape moving forward?
Dr. Lahouari: This amnesty could play a significant role in easing social tensions, particularly among those who feel marginalized by the political establishment. It can lead to increased political engagement, as individuals who have been pardoned may feel empowered to participate in civic life. Nevertheless, the government must follow through with genuine reforms to address the underlying issues that led to these imprisonments in the first place.
Editor: Indeed, follow-through is crucial. What message do you think this act sends to the people of Algeria and the international community?
Dr. Lahouari: To the Algerian people, it’s a message of hope and a chance for a fresh start. It acknowledges past grievances while encouraging a collective move toward unity. To the international community, it demonstrates Algeria’s commitment to addressing human rights concerns and may help garner support for future developments.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lahouari. This has been a deeply enlightening conversation about a historic moment for Algeria. We appreciate your insights into the complexities surrounding this decree and its broader implications.
Dr. Amina Lahouari: Thank you for having me. It’s always important to discuss these matters as they shape our present and future.
Editor: That’s true. We look forward to seeing how this situation evolves. Thank you to our readers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more discussions on important topics shaping our world.