Assassination of Algerian singer Lounes draws strong condemnations
Algeria, Military, 6/27/1998

Renowned Algerian singer Matoub Lounes was killed on Thursday near his village in al-Qabeil (tribes) district, in addition to other 17 civilians who were killed on Wednesday night in al-Saeeda province, 400 Km to the Southern West of the capital Algiers, whereas the security forces killed 18 extremists affiliated to "al-Ahwal" contingent.

Lounes was murdered when he was stopped at a fake barrcade in his native al-Qabeil.

Lounes, 42, the most popular political singer in Algeria had increased his opposition against the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) after he had survived a 15-day kidnapping by the end of September 1994. He is married but survived for no children. He was a persistent defender of the Berber cause.

Lounes has been taking in all cultural activities carried out by the Berbers which demand the recognition of Berbers language as an official language. He was among the organizers for the "Berbers spring" activities of April 1980 in Teizi Ozo. Lounes' assassination falls in the course of a long series of killing artists in Algeria where the most radical Islamist groups consider music as "illegal" because it diverts Muslims off prayers."

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) condemned on Friday the assassination of Algerian singer Lounes Matoub, terming his killing a "barbarian" act.

UNESCO's director-general said that he was "deeply shocked by this new crime perpetrated against the arts community in Algeria."

"The barbarians have attacked a man of culture and tolerance," the UNESCO chief said, adding that the Algerian singer "was killed by people who cannot bear to hear others sing or think freely."

Over 70,000 people were killed in the Algerian violence that erupted in 1992 when the Algerian authorities canceled elections in which Islamist parties were taking a commanding leading.

Previous Stories:
  Bomb kills three women in Algeria, a GIA leader surrenders   (6/22/1998)
  More violence victims in Algeria   (6/20/1998)
  611 Algerian journalists in three hotels   (6/12/1998)

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