Djamila Boupacha
The book documents torture and sexual violence reported by an Algerian activist and the legal struggle to have her complaint heard.
Understanding the text
A work by Gisèle Halimi and Simone de Beauvoir, including testimony and contributions, published during the Algerian War.
Key points
- 01
Testimony
Recording and publishing a voice challenges mechanisms of silencing and discredit.
- 02
Justice
Legal proceedings expose institutional obstacles to acknowledging colonial violence.
- 03
Solidarity
Public intervention connects writing, legal defense and political responsibility.
How to read it
Distinguish Boupacha's, Halimi's, Beauvoir's and other contributors' voices rather than attributing the whole narrative to one author.
Editions & sources
- Consult the reference 1plato.stanford.edunew tab
- Consult the reference 2iep.utm.edunew tab
- Consult the reference 3gallimard.frnew tab
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗