63 years ago, nearly 20,000 Algerians peacefully demonstrated in Paris against a discriminatory curfew imposed on “French Muslims of Algeria”. The repression, carried out by the police headquarters under Maurice Papon, left nearly 100 victims killed at the hands of the police and 12,000 imprisoned. This massacre, long hidden, is a tragic event in the history of France that we must not forget.
This Thursday, October 17, for the first time, Villeurbanne paid tribute to the victims during a commemorative ceremony. A plaque was inaugurated at the Human Rights Park, in the presence of elected officials, memorial associations and the Algerian community. After a wreath-laying and a minute of silence, the actress Claire Truche began the ceremony with a reading of “ The rain cried on them » by Abdelkader Djemaï. Singer Fayçal Houacine then performed Alayki mini greetingsan Algerian song celebrating the love of Algeria and its ancestors.
The ceremony continued in the CCVA room in the presence of a very large audience.
In his speech, Mayor Cédric Van Styvendael declared: “ By looking straight in the eyes and with lucidity at the dark parts of our common history, we make room for all the memories wounded by war, abuses and uprooting. ».
Download Cédric Van Styvendael’s entire speech by clicking on the link below:
Mayor’s speech October 17, 2024
