Algerian Athletes Commemorate 1961 Protest Victims at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — During the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, Algerian athletes made a poignant statement by honoring the victims of a tragic event from their colonial past. As they paraded, the athletes carried red roses, which they later tossed into the Seine River to commemorate those who lost their lives during the 1961 police crackdown on Algerian protesters in Paris. This act served as a reminder of the historical tensions between Algeria and France, with some athletes chanting “Long live Algeria!” in Arabic. The 1961 crackdown, which occurred on October 17, saw approximately 120 protesters killed and around 12,000 arrested while demonstrating for independence from French colonial rule. Many victims were reportedly thrown into the river by police, including Kaci Yahia, whose body was never recovered. His grandson, Yanis, expressed deep appreciation for the tribute, calling it a “monumental homage” to the victims and a moment filled with emotion. While the gesture was welcomed by some, others felt that the Olympics was not the appropriate venue for such a protest. The historical context of the event highlights the long-standing grievances that Algeria holds against France, which sought to downplay the massacre for decades. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the “inexcusable” nature of the crimes committed during that dark chapter in history. Algeria gained independence from France in 1962 after enduring 132 years of colonial rule, and the remembrance of past atrocities continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about national identity and historical accountability.