Unmasking the Legacy of Far-Right Extremism in France: A Critical Examination of Jean-Marie Le Pen’s Role in Torture and Anti-Algerian Sentiment

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 5th, 2025 — As France continues to grapple with rising far-right rhetoric targeting Algeria and its interests, French historians and researchers are delving into the historical origins of this entrenched animosity. This critical inquiry, set to unfold at a discussion forum on Thursday, February 6, in Paris, seeks to understand the persistence of hatred towards Algeria by the descendants of the infamous Secret Army Organization (OAS), the terrorist group responsible for violent campaigns during the Algerian War of Independence. The forum aims to shed light on the deep-seated antagonism towards Algeria that still lingers in the veins of contemporary far-right politics in France.

The event is jointly organized by French historian Fabrice Riceputi and Franco-Swedish intellectual Neil Anderson, a key witness to the involvement of Jean-Marie Le Pen—founder of France’s far-right National Front—in the torture of Algerians during the war of independence. Le Pen, who passed away recently, is recognized as a central figure in France’s extreme right-wing movements and the legacy of colonial violence.

The forum, titled “Le Pen, Torture in the Republic,” will explore the pivotal role of Neil Anderson, who resisted French colonial rule over Algeria. Anderson, a Swiss publisher of banned books in France, is renowned for his vocal opposition to torture and his tireless advocacy for justice in the wake of French atrocities. His experience as an insider witness to the torturous practices of Le Pen and his associates provides invaluable insight into the troubling legacy that continues to shape far-right ideologies today.

In 1960, Anderson’s publication of La Pacification (The Pacification) played a key role in bringing to light Le Pen’s involvement in torture as part of the French military’s brutal efforts to suppress Algeria’s independence movement. This book exposed the crimes committed by Le Pen, a former paratrooper, against Algerians, triggering the first waves of public acknowledgment outside Algeria.

While France was engulfed in censorship, and legal actions escalated against those who criticized the government’s handling of the war, Anderson’s publishing efforts were instrumental in making crucial works on French war crimes widely accessible. Through this resistance, he became one of the foremost voices denouncing the systemic violence perpetrated by the French state in Algeria, while Le Pen’s notoriety as a war criminal continued to spread.

In the years that followed, the revelations about Le Pen’s actions in Algeria were further validated by historians like Fabrice Riceputi, whose book Le Pen and Torture: Algeria 1957, The Story Against Forgetting presents a comprehensive account of Le Pen’s criminal involvement. The facts presented were corroborated by investigative reports in publications such as Le Monde, which further exposed Le Pen’s blatant disregard for human rights and his unapologetic stance on torture. In a 1957 interview, Le Pen candidly admitted his role in executing brutal tactics, justifying them as necessary to “defend the republic.”

“If violence is essential to uncover a nest of bombs, and if torturing one man can save a hundred others, then torture is unavoidable. Under these exceptional circumstances, it is justified,” he stated without remorse, encapsulating the merciless philosophy that has marked his political career.

In light of this, it is no surprise that the far-right media platforms, both traditional and digital, continue to propagate vitriol against Algeria today. The ongoing attacks against Algeria’s national interests, alongside calls to expel its citizens from French territory, echo the very same colonial mindset that shaped the actions of the OAS and the French military during their brutal 132-year occupation of Algeria.

This Thursday’s forum will serve as an essential platform for exposing the far-right’s contemporary stance in the context of the worsening diplomatic and political tensions between Algeria and France. It promises to unveil the current forces fanning the flames of this crisis, amplifying the media war that has gone beyond the realms of decency and journalistic ethics. In a nation that claims to champion liberty and equality, the examination of the grotesque history of Jean-Marie Le Pen and his far-right ideology will offer vital clarity on the forces that continue to fuel hostility towards Algeria and its people.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube