Jean-Michel Aphatie, a prominent French journalist, has stepped down from his role at RTL after causing controversy with remarks comparing French colonial actions in Algeria to Nazi atrocities during World War II. His statement, which likened the massacres committed in Algeria to the infamous Oradour-sur-Glane massacre, sparked significant backlash and led to a temporary suspension. While he will not return to RTL, Aphatie emphasizes the importance of confronting this historical narrative, signaling the ongoing and painful discourse surrounding France's colonial legacy.
On 25 February he said on air: Every year in France, we commemorate what happened in Oradour-sur-Glane the massacre of an entire village. But we have committed hundreds of these, in Algeria. Are we aware of this?
The Nazis behaved like us. After being suspended for a week by the channel, it means that if I come back to RTL I validate this and admit to making a mistake.
He acknowledged that his comments had created a debate but said it was of great importance to understand the full story over France's 1830-1962 presence in Algeria.
His comments had prompted a flurry of complaints to audio-visual regulator Arcom, which has opened an investigation into the matter.
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