“My book about my Bachara grandfather was not banned in Algeria,” says writer

French-born Algerian writer Ferial Furon, the grand-daughter of Bachara Bengana, appeared on national media once again and talked about her controversial interview on Canal Algerie channel.

The writer’s book ‘Si Bouaziz, the Last King of Zybans’ raised a large controversy. 

In an interview with journalist Kadi Ihssan, Furon said she expected a debate during the talk show on Canal Algerie broadcast in February.

She added that those who criticized her did not read her book where she praised her grandfather Bengana who cooperated with the French occupation.

Bengana’s grand-daughter also said she is happy to talk about her book in Algeria.

She added that the book was not banned in Algerian bookshops but it was not for sale.

“As far as I am concerned, the most important thing was to reveal my family’s secret. What matters is to know more about our history and Algerian elites,” she said.

Earlier in February, Canal Algerie TV channel received Ferial Furon who talked about some false facts on the Algerian history. She criticized Emir Abdelkader, alleging that his fight against the French occupation did not exceed 3 years. This raised a controversy among intellectuals and historians. 

The TV show’s editor was dismissed temporarily.