Algerian Radio
A framework agreement for cooperation was signed Sunday in Algiers between the Ministries of Justice and Culture and Arts, focusing on the protection of cultural heritage and vocational training.
The agreement was signed by Mohammed Hamadou, Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, and Ali Sabe', Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture and Arts, in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, along with representatives from various security branches and researchers.
Signed during the opening of the third training workshop on heritage protection—organized by the Ministry of Culture in coordination with the justice sector for judges as part of Heritage Month (April 18 – May 18)—the agreement covers the "protection of cultural heritage and combating crimes and illicit trafficking of cultural property," the "social reintegration of inmates in the fields of culture and arts," and the "training of judges, officials, and employees of both parties."
In this context, Ms. Bendouda explained that this cooperation seeks to "establish an institutional framework for coordination and partnership serving these noble goals, embodying the provisions of the Constitution, particularly Article 76, which guarantees every person's right to culture on an equal basis with others and mandates the state to safeguard and preserve national material and intangible cultural heritage for future generations."
The Minister stated that the agreement aims to "enable inmates on one hand, and justice sector officials on the other, to visit cultural institutions and archaeological sites," explaining that "making arts and literature available to inmates provides a spiritual window that opens horizons for social reintegration."
Ms. Bendouda also affirmed that the efforts of various security agencies and branches in combating crimes against cultural property and illicit trafficking are "the pillar upon which we rely to safeguard the nation’s memory and ensure its safe transition to future generations."
For his part, the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Lotfi Boudjemaa, in a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Hamadou, stated that organizing this workshop is "evidence of the great care provided by the culture sector to preserve our rich artistic Algerian cultural heritage, especially in light of the tensions attempting to target this heritage, particularly at the international level."
After highlighting the importance of cooperation with the culture sector to preserve Algeria's cultural heritage and combat illicit trafficking, the Minister noted that training in its various forms is "one of the primary ways to realize this cooperation."
Mr. Boudjemaa continued by stating that the agreement signed today aims to "broaden interest in culture and cultural products within the justice sector among judges and employees" and to "focus on the cultural activities of inmates in correctional institutions, which is of great importance given the policy of their reintegration into society."
The Minister called on the judges participating in this workshop to benefit from the knowledge and skills gained to "promote the judicial handling of disputes related to cultural heritage and combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property with the necessary strictness and in accordance with the laws."
Mr. Boudjemaa concluded his speech by warning against "professional thieves" who seek to steal Algerian heritage, calling for them to be confronted wherever they are and not allowing them to touch Algerian authenticity.
The first day of this training session, which also includes the participation of judicial police officers, featured a series of presentations focused on the legal protection of cultural heritage in Algerian legislation and the duties of various security branches (Coast Guard, National Gendarmerie, National Security, and Customs) in protecting and preserving cultural heritage.
The more than 40 participants will undergo a five-day pedagogical and practical program, including workshops at several museum institutions in the wilaya of Algiers, as well as the National Museum of Cherchell and archaeological sites in Tipaza, running until April 30.
