The town of Kherrata in Algeria is still reeling from the trauma of the massacres that took place on May 8, 1945, and the days that followed. For 75 years, the town has struggled to come to terms with the horrors that were inflicted upon its people. Said Allik, a 87-year-old moudjahid, is one of the few survivors who witnessed the brutal killings of five members of his family, including his parents, two brothers, and a four-month-old sister.
The massacres in Kherrata were a response to the demonstrations that took place in Sétif, 60 km to the southeast, on May 8, 1945. The protests, which were largely peaceful, turned violent after a functionary of the post office was killed. The colonial French army responded with force, deploying a "machine of death" that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. Many were taken and thrown alive into the ravines of Chaabet Lakhra, just outside the town.
Lahcene Bekhouche, who was just 20 years old at the time, witnessed the atrocities firsthand. He recalled seeing the doctor Hannouz and his two children being executed, followed by a long procession of people being killed. Bekhouche himself was spared, but was thrown into prison and sentenced to death. He was eventually released, but the experience left a lasting impact on his life.
The repression and barbarity continued until May 22, with the French army using its full arsenal, including B-26 bombers, A-24 fighter-bombers, and even the cruiser Duguay Trouin. The army also forced thousands of villagers to march to the coast, where they were made to watch a military parade. The ordeal resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including pregnant women, who succumbed to exhaustion, thirst, and hunger.
Saad Allik, who was just 12 years old at the time, described the events as "a crime against humanity." He recalled seeing the animals, including goats, dogs, and donkeys, being killed. Allik's memories of the event remain vivid, and he continues to fight for the preservation of the town's memory. "I want to make sure that no one forgets," he said.
A commemorative monument has been erected in the heart of Chaabet Lakhra, in the form of a giant flame on a concrete base. The monument features portraits and statues of martyrs, and serves as a reminder of the atrocities that took place. The town of Kherrata continues to remember and honor its victims, 75 years after the massacres.
The massacres of May 8, 1945, remain a painful chapter in Algeria's history. The events serve as a reminder of the brutal suppression of the Algerian people during the colonial era. As Algeria continues to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the massacres, the people of Kherrata and beyond will continue to remember and honor the victims of that tragic event.
Key points
- Thousands of people were killed in the massacres and subsequent repression
- The French army used extreme force, including bombers and cruisers, to quell the protests
- A commemorative monument has been erected in Chaabet Lakhra to honor the victims
