June 25, 2000 marks the 2nd anniversary of the assassination of Matoub Lounes in Kabylia, Algeria, at the age of 42. Matoub fought and died for the survival of the Amazigh language and heritage.

On Sunday, June 25, those who cherish his memory will mark this day by lighting candles and listening to his songs. Rallies, marches, and other events are planned.

The Lounes Matoub foundation has called a march for the 25th: "We want the truth." A request for authorization was filed last Wednesday in Algiers. No response has been forthcoming as yet, but the foundation's secretary-general, Mr. Haddag, stated that this would not be a deterrent: "We will march...with or without administrative authorization."

The Friends of the Matoub Lounes Foundation have called a rally for June 25, at 13:00 hours (1:00 p.m.), at the Place de la République (Paris). The purpose of the rally is to commemorate Lounes and to demand "an exhaustive and profound enquiry" and "the identification, indictment, and punishment of the assassin and those behind him."

The Amazigh Assocation of Montreal has organized an event to commemorate Matoub's death from June 23-25, starting with a conference and projection of a documentary on Friday, the 23rd, at 6:45 p.m. (18h45) at the salle Afrika, 1644 St. Hubert (metro Berri-UQAM). Admittance is free.

Singer Djamel Allam will offer a concert dedicated to Lounes on Sunday, the 25th, at 4:30 p.m. (16h30) at the cultural center, Frontenac (maison de la culture Frontenac), at 2550 Ontario Est, metro Frontenac. Admittance is $25.

Some of Lounes's songs can be heard at: http://www.50megs.com/tayri/matoub/matoub.htm.