Algerian Police Shut Down Sociologist's Book Signing Event
Algerian police have forcibly shut down a scheduled book signing event for sociologist Fatma Oussedik and temporarily closed the bookstore that was set to host it, according to statements from her publisher. The incident occurred on Saturday, with authorities seizing copies of the book and ordering the closure of the Beaux-Arts bookstore in Algiers for an entire month.
Publisher Condemns Action as Illegal
The publishing house Koukou Editions released a statement on Sunday describing the police operation as "as incomprehensible as it is illegal." Director Arezki Ait-Larbi expressed deep concern over the authorities' actions, noting that they directly violated Algerian constitutional protections. The publisher specifically cited Article 54 of the Constitution, which clearly states that publishing activities can only be prohibited through a court decision.
Book Focuses on Berber Region History
The book in question, titled "Rebellious Identities: Rethinking One's Own History," represents the culmination of several years of field research conducted by Oussedik. Her work examines the history and sociology of the M'zab Valley, a Berber-speaking region in Algeria. According to Ait-Larbi, the research provides valuable insights into this culturally significant area of the country.
Authorities Escalate Pressure Before Event
The confrontation began two days before the scheduled signing when police officers, tax officials, and representatives from the culture ministry visited the bookstore to demand cancellation of the event. Despite the shop postponing the signing in response to this initial pressure, authorities returned on Saturday morning and again in the afternoon to seize all available copies of the book and officially shutter the establishment.
Pattern of Censorship Against Publisher
This incident represents the latest in a series of censorship actions against Koukou Editions. In 2022, the publisher reported that twelve of its books—primarily those addressing political topics—had been banned from appearing at Algeria's main bookfair, SILA. Furthermore, in 2024, Algerian police briefly arrested Ait-Larbi along with French author Dominique Martre and others during a raid on a book event in Bejaia. That event featured Martre's memoir about her time with women in Kabylia, another region inhabited by the Berber ethnic group, also known as the Amazigh.
Constitutional Violations Alleged
Ait-Larbi emphasized the troubling nature of the situation, stating that "Algeria's laws had once again been violated by those whose responsibility it is to enforce them." The publisher's statement raises serious questions about freedom of expression and academic research in Algeria, particularly regarding works that explore the country's diverse cultural heritage and historical narratives.
