On June 15, 2019, Algerians commemorated the 26th anniversary of the assassination of Professor Mahfoud Boucebci, a renowned psychiatrist and defender of human rights. Boucebci was killed in front of the Drid-Hocine hospital in Kouba, Algiers, by a terrorist group. He was not only the hospital's chief physician but also a vocal advocate for human rights and freedoms. Boucebci had created a committee to investigate the assassination of journalist-writer Tahar Djaout, who was killed on May 26, 1993, and died two days later.
To honor Boucebci's memory, the village of Talaâzizth, the National Organization for the Protection of Childhood and Youth, and the local authorities organized an event to reflect on his life and work. The commemoration took place at the local library, where an exhibition was held featuring Boucebci's manuscripts, scientific papers, and newspaper clippings about his assassination. The exhibition also included documents highlighting the life of the Talaâzizth native. The event was attended by local authorities, including the mayor, and other officials, such as the President of the Tizi-Ouzou Provincial Assembly.
During the event, attendees observed a minute of silence in memory of Boucebci and all the martyrs of democracy. Several speakers praised the late professor, who, despite not living in the village, frequently visited his family and discussed with the locals. Abdelkader Rahal, one of the event organizers, thanked the attendees and highlighted Boucebci's integrity, dedication to human rights, and his work in psychiatry. Rahal described Boucebci as the "father of psychiatry in Algeria."
The President of the Tizi-Ouzou Provincial Assembly pledged to support the village committee's request to erect a memorial in Boucebci's honor. The President of the M'kira CSA/O announced that the final match of a tournament organized in Boucebci's memory would take place on June 21 at the municipal stadium. After the event, attendees visited Boucebci's family home to pay their respects.
Born on November 22, 1937, in Miliana, Boucebci had a distinguished career in psychiatry, holding various leadership positions in Algiers hospitals and receiving the Maghrebin Medicine Prize twice, in 1982 and 1988. He served as president of the Algerian Society of Psychiatry and was appointed chief physician at the Drid Hocine hospital in Kouba before his assassination.
Boucebci's legacy continues to inspire people, with many remembering his kindness and dedication to his profession. His work in psychiatry and human rights has left a lasting impact on Algeria. The commemoration event demonstrated the community's appreciation for his contributions and their commitment to preserving his memory.
The event concluded with a traditional gathering, where attendees shared stories and paid their respects to Boucebci's family. The community's efforts to honor Boucebci's memory serve as a testament to his influence and the importance of his work in Algerian society.
Key points
- Professor Mahfoud Boucebci was assassinated on June 15, 1993, by a terrorist group in front of the Drid-Hocine hospital in Kouba, Algiers.
