France to compensate more Harki families for mistreatment after Algerian War

Young French Muslims, children of harkis, demonstrate in front of the Saint-Maurice l'Ardoise camp, in the southern Gard region, to draw attention to the squalid living conditions, 2 June 1975. © AFP

France has recognised additional sites at which Harkis – Muslims who fought alongside the French during the Algerian War – faced harsh living conditions following Algeria's independence. While the move will allow up to 6,000 more Harkis and their descendants to claim compensation, groups representing the victims say it doesn't go far enough in recognising their suffering.

The Harkis were Algerians who served as auxiliaries in the French army during the 1954-62 Algerian war of independence.