Tribute to October 17, 1961 — Memory and Dignity

October 17, 1961 remains forever etched in the collective memory of the Algerian people. On this day of reflection and commemoration, workers at the Socothyd Isser and Socothyd Bordj Menaïel industrial sites observed a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of this historic tragedy, perpetrated in the heart of Paris against peaceful Algerian demonstrators.

Sixty-four years ago, thousands of Algerians living in France courageously demonstrated against the discriminatory curfew imposed by the French colonial authorities. In response, brutal and bloody repression was unleashed upon them. Hundreds of our compatriots were arrested, beaten, thrown into the Seine, or disappeared without a trace. This crime, long hidden and belatedly acknowledged, has become a symbol of the Algerian people's struggle for justice, dignity, and sovereignty.

At Socothyd, a company deeply rooted in Algeria's industrial and social fabric, we carry the memory of these martyrs in our hearts. On this day, October 17, 2025, our staff—managers, technicians, and workers—gathered in solemn reflection to remember that the freedom we enjoy today was won through bloodshed and sacrifice.

This minute of silence is not only a duty to remember, but also a renewed commitment to defend the values of solidarity, justice, and respect for human rights. It is a tribute to the resilience of our people and the unwavering determination of those who, even thousands of miles from their homeland, never stopped dreaming of a free and independent Algeria.

Socothyd is committed to passing on this memory to future generations, not as a mere page in history, but as a living legacy that inspires us every day to build a more equitable, conscious, and humane society.