In the name of all beliefs, Kabyles celebrate freedom of religion on Easter Sunday

On the 20 April 2024, President Mehinni proclaimed the rebirth of the Kabyle state on the steps of the United Nations in New York, and today Kabyle people are marching in Paris to commemorate the Berber Spring.

As we remember Jesus’ rebirth, we must especially hold Kabyle Christians, who risk their freedom today to celebrate His sacrifice, in our hearts. In Kabylia, almost every church has been forcibly closed without legal recourse for reopening, and pastors and congregants face arrests and prosecutions simply for gathering in private to pray.

Since 1980, the Kabyle people commemorate the anniversary of the Berber Spring on 20 April every year. The Berber Spring, widespread protests in the name of claiming recognition of the Kabyle culture, identity and language, was originally sparked by Algiers’ decision to cancel a conference in the University of Tizi Ouzou by renowned Kabyle poet Mouloud Mammaeri because of the “risk of public unrest”.

On 18 April 2001, during preparations for the 21st anniversary of the Berber Spring, an 18-year-old student was killed whilst in police custody in Tizi Ouzou, sparking protests which resulted in the death of around 123 protestors – the deadliest event in the movement’s history.

Today, we remember those fallen in the name of freedom, and Kabyles march “in the name of all beliefs”, the ancient slogan which underlines the movement’s commitment to religious freedom. If you would like to support our campaign to advocate for #FreedomForKabylia, please get in touch.