The Algerian poet and singer Lounes Matoub was assassinated by the GIA on 25 June 1998, on a mountain road in his native region of Kabylie. A fierce defender of the Tamazight language, with an outspoken pro-democratic, anti-Islamist and anti-governmental stance, he was a figurehead for militants of democracy in Algeria and more specifically for those fighting for recognition of the Tamazight language and culture. Despite having received repeated death threats and even having been kidnapped in 1994, Lounes Matoub fearlessly dedicated his wonderful talents as writer, unique voice and ultimately his life to a struggle that continues to this day.
Lounès Matoub (tamazight : Lwennas Me??ub écrit en tifinagh ), plus communément appelé Matoub Lounès, est un chanteur et poète algérien, engagé dans la revendication identitaire berbère. Il est né à Taourirt Moussa Ouamar le 24 janvier 1956, en Algérie. Il meurt le 25 juin 1998, assassiné sur la route de At Douala. Officiellement, cet assassinat est attribué au GIA. Mais le pouvoir algérien est accusé, notamment par sa famille, de l'avoir assassiné. Matoub acquiert un statut de martyr pour les Kabyles et même auprès des autres Algériens, qui estiment que leurs droits sont bafoués.
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