Amidst the heart of Paris stands a stark reminder Le 17 avril 1967 Plaque. It marks a day of profound sorrow in French history. This plaque commemorates a tragic event. It’s a chapter that many would prefer to forget.
Le 17 avril 1967 Plaque serves as a silent testament to the Paris massacre of 1961. This massacre is also called the 17 October 1961 massacre in France. On that day, French National Police killed many Algerians living in Paris. The Algerian War raged from 1954 to 1962.
Under orders from police chief Maurice Papon, the National Police attacked a demonstration. About 30000 pro-National Liberation Front Algerians participated. For 37 years, there was denial and censorship. In 1998, the government admitted to 40 deaths. However, historians estimate between 200 and 300 Algerians died.
Many deaths resulted from beatings. Some resulted from drownings. Police officers threw demonstrators into the Seine. The massacre was intentional. Jean-Luc Einaudi proved this in court against Papon in 1999. Papon had been convicted in 1998. He was guilty of crimes against humanity. This was for his role under the Vichy regime during World War II.
Police records show Papon directed the massacre. He told officers to be subversive. He assured them protection from prosecution. Forty years later, in 2001, Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë erected Le 17 avril 1967 Plaque. It stands on Pont Saint-Michel.
How many demonstrators died remains unclear. Without official numbers, Le 17 avril 1967 Plaque reads: “In memory of the many Algerians killed during the bloody repression of the peaceful demonstration of 17 October 1961.” Calls arose to name a Paris Métro station “17 Octobre 1961” after the massacre.
The French police force contributed to the violence. It included former members of the Vichy regime. This regime had collaborated with the Gestapo. They detained Jews during the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup of 1942. Many officers suspended after the Liberation of Paris were reinstated. Some policemen in the French Resistance had blocked careers. Cold War anti-communism was the reason.
Papon’s career shows institutional racism in the French police. He wasn’t charged until 1997-98. He was responsible for deporting 1560 Jews during World War II. Before leading Paris police, Papon repressed the Algerian population.
In 1958, police demonstrated against delays in their “risque prime”. They shouted anti-Semitic and anti-Algerian slogans. Papon became prefect the next day. He used harsh methods.
In August 1958, an FLN offensive killed policemen in Paris. Papon retaliated with raids on Algerians. More than 5000 Algerians were detained. The Beaujon hospital, the Japy gymnasium and the Vél’d’Hiv were used as detention centers. These places were used under the Vichy regime.
The CIV was created in 1959. It verified the identity of Algerians. The FPA militia was created in 1959. It consisted of Algerian Muslims. Torture was rumored.
In 1961, the FLN resumed bombings against the French police. Repression against Algerians increased. People were arrested and thrown into the Seine. Papon encouraged violence against Algerians.
In October 1961, a curfew targeted Algerian Muslim workers. The FLN called for a demonstration. Police blocked access to the capital. Thousands were arrested. Algerians were thrown into the Seine. A massacre occurred at the police headquarters.
The government initially reported few deaths. Later investigations revealed higher numbers. The events were largely unknown for decades. The Charonne Metro Station massacre overshadowed them.
In 2001, Le 17 avril 1967 Plaque was erected. Controversies surrounded its establishment. Some opposed blaming the authorities. Others feared civil unrest. The plaque’s inscription remains vague.
President François Hollande acknowledged the massacre in 2012. President Emmanuel Macron condemned it in 2021.
Le 17 avril 1967 Plaque stands as a reminder. We must remember the victims. We must acknowledge the past. We must strive for a future of justice and equality. Let this place be a constant call for vigilance against hatred and oppression.