French Justice Minister “digs” into vexed Tibhirine Monks’ file

The French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira said on Monday, December 21, in Algiers that it is high “time to reach the conclusion” of the long-running investigation into the horrendous murders of the Trappist Monks of Tibhirine in Algeria’s central Médéa province way back in 1996.

December 21, in Algiers that it is high “time to reach the conclusion” of the long-running investigation into the horrendous murders of the Trappist Monks of Tibhirine in Algeria’s central Médéa province way back in 1996.

“This is a procedure in which cooperation between France and Algeria is extremely intense, she asserted.

“This procedure sometimes slowed down but the bilateral cooperation is still steadily going on (…) It’s time, indeed, we came to an end of this inquiry because for the families of the victims, it has become urgent for them to meet and know precisely what happened, ” said Mrs Taubira during a joint press conference held with her Algerian counterpart Tayeb Louh after wrapping up a two-day official visit to Algiers.

The French justice minister further underlined that there are no constrains on the way and that the two countries’ ministerial departments will mobilize the necessary means to dispel the “misunderstandings and misconceptions” about this outstanding case.

It should be noted that a month before the Tibhirine monks died, the former terrorist Group (GIA) claimed to have kidnapped them, asking for a ransom from the French government and threatening to decapitate the hostages. Later on, the GIA terror group claimed in a press release issued in May 21, 1996 responsibility for the Trappist Monks’ awful murders.