The funeral of 24 activists of the popular resistance against French colonialism took place in the Algerian capital today, Sunday, after its recovery from France. This coincides with the 58th anniversary of independence.
President Abdul Majeed Tabun supervised the burial ceremonies of the Martyrs Square in the Cemetery of Al-Alia in the capital, accompanied by senior civil and military officials, and the official TV broadcast the event in a live broadcast.
The remains of the resistance fighters were transported from the "Moufdi Zakariaa" culture palace in the Algerian capital, on military vehicles decorated with flowers, to roam some of the city's streets, reaching the cemetery.
The funeral procession was presented by the President of the Republic, who before that had mercy on the souls of the symbols of the popular resistance in the Palace of Culture.
A memorial service
In a memorial speech, Minister of Mujahideen Al-Tayyib Zaytouni praised the struggles and the characteristics of the resistance fighters, "the idols who presented themselves as a sacrifice for Algeria", calling on the new generation to follow the sacrifices of these heroes. He also noted the "historic step of President Tabun," who worked hard to recover the remains and skulls of the resistance.
On Saturday, Taboun welcomed - in an interview with "France 24" - the return of the skulls of the Algerian resistance during the French colonial era, hoping that Paris will take "similar steps in the future."
He also considered that France with this step had submitted "half of its apologies" for the crimes it committed during this period, hoping at the same time that "it will continue along the same path and offer its full apologies."
A symbolic date
On Sunday, the 58th anniversary of independence (July 5, 1962), the Algerian authorities chose a symbolic date for burying these remains (24 boxes containing whole skulls and parts of skulls called remains).
According to historical accounts, after the suppression of popular revolts against the occupation in Algeria, the French colonialists deliberately cut off the heads of the resistance leaders and their companions in retaliation for them, and transferred them to France until they were displayed in the "Human" Museum in Paris.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Mujahideen (Veterans Veterans) published a statement confirming that negotiations with France began in June 2016, and they were complex. A scientific committee has been formed from both sides to identify these skulls and remains, and the process continues to determine the rest.