Belkacem El Ouazeri — The Youngest Martyr of the Algerian Revolution
Belkacem El Ouazeri was born in 1937 near Blida. He joined the ALN at 17 and was executed by guillotine on 12 August 1956 — the youngest martyr put to death during Algeria's War of Independence. His execution provoked outrage across France and Algeria.
15 November 2025
Belkacem El Ouazeri was born on 5 February 1937 in Zemoura, Sidi El Fodil district in the Blida province, to El Arbi and Yamna Hatouch. He grew up in a modest family and completed primary education before entering the workforce.
Joining the Liberation Struggle
In 1955, aged just 17, Belkacem joined the National Liberation Army's civilian network as a fedayee. He participated in operations throughout the Blida region, assisted with bomb manufacturing, and transported explosives across the Mitidja plain.
Arrest and Trial
In November 1955, following an operation in which a French policeman was killed, Belkacem was arrested. He was transferred to Serkadji Prison in Algiers, where he was tortured and interrogated by colonial authorities.
After a military tribunal — widely condemned as unjust — he received a death sentence.
Execution
On 12 August 1956, Belkacem El Ouazeri was executed by guillotine in Algiers. He was 18 or 19 years old, making him the youngest martyr to be executed during Algeria's War of Independence.
His execution provoked significant outrage in both Algeria and France, including among French intellectuals and human rights advocates. The public reaction was so strong that it contributed to a temporary halt in further executions.
Legacy
Following Algerian independence, Blida honored Belkacem El Ouazeri extensively:
- The main street of Blida bears his name
- A middle school was named after him
- A secondary school carries his name
- An air force base in the region was named in his honor
His young face and his refusal to betray his comrades have made him a symbol of the revolution's youngest and bravest fighters.