Artist: Algerian Committee of Free Fighters for Human Dignity and Human Rights
Confronting Bodies: Jean-Loius Debré, the French minister of the interior
Date of Action: 1995
Specific Location: France
Description of Artwork: "The White Book on Oppression in Algeria" tries to explain the Algerian Civil war that started in 1992. During the 90's, thi conflic was very difficult to get information and the only available explanation came from the Algerian government. This book, written by rebels, gives details of the Algerian government killings and torture from the years 1991 to 1994.
Description of Incident: The book was published in Switzerland and to be distributed in France, but the shipments were stopped at French boarders by officials. Jean-Loius Debré, the minister of the interior, stated that the book could not be distributed on the grounds that France could officially take no side in the conflict (In fact, the government secretly supported the Algerian government). He was also worried that the book's anti-French tone would lead the country's north-African immigrant population to violent acts.
Results of Incident: French publishers protested the ban, but it was not lifted. The Swiss publisher, Hoggar, published the book on its website due to popular demand.
Source: Censorship: A World Encyclopedia. Ed. Derek Jones. Chicago; London: Fitzroy Dearborn, 2001.
Submitted By: NCAC