Algeria’s parliament has passed a law declaring France’s 130-year rule over the North African nation a crime, while formally demanding restitution for land, archives and other property taken during the colonial era.

In a late-night vote on Wednesday, 340 of the 407 members of the National Assembly backed the bill, which seeks to address what lawmakers described as long-standing historical injustices. The move comes weeks after several African states jointly called for recognition and reparations for colonial-era abuses.

The law defines the colonial period from the 1830 landing of French forces near Algiers to July 5, 1962, when Algeria gained independence. It calls for the return of Algerian archives and property transferred to France, the handover of detailed maps of French nuclear tests carried out in Algeria between 1960 and 1966, and the repatriation of the remains of Algerian resistance fighters taken to France.

It also introduces penalties, including prison terms, for actions or remarks within Algeria that praise French colonialism or insult symbols of the country’s anti-colonial resistance.

France reacted sharply, calling the legislation a hostile act that could undermine efforts to improve ties. In a statement to The Associated Press, the French Foreign Ministry said Paris would continue dialogue with Algeria, particularly on security and migration, while pointing to steps taken under President Emmanuel Macron to confront aspects of the colonial past.

Macron has previously described parts of France’s history in Algeria as crimes against humanity but has stopped short of issuing a formal state apology. French officials have indicated the restitution demands outlined in the law are unlikely to be met.

The parliamentary session approving the bill was highly symbolic. Large Algerian flags decorated the chamber as Speaker Mohamed Boughali described the vote as a historic moment, calling the law a clear political and moral statement. Lawmakers broke into chants from the national anthem and slogans hailing Algeria as the decision was announced.

Supporters of the bill say it marks the culmination of years of advocacy. Former lawmaker Mohamed Arezki Ferrad, who first proposed the legislation, said the vote honored the memory of those who fought against colonial rule.

The law, comprising five chapters and 27 articles, states that crimes committed during the colonial period are not subject to any statute of limitations.