French President Emmanuel Macron admitted, that French soldiers killed in 1957 the leader of the Algerian Front for National Liberation (FNO), Larbi Ben Mhidi. This is happening on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the uprising that started the war in Algeria, reported France Presse, quoted by BTA.
A statement from the Elysée Palace, quoted by Agence France-Presse, stated that “the French President recognizes today that the national hero of Algeria and one of the six leaders of the FNO who started the uprising on November 1, 1954 - Larbi Ben Mhidi, was killed by French soldiers“.
Often called by his compatriots the “Algerian Jean Moulin”, the leader of the FNO was assassinated in 1957 by General Osares. The French general admitted this in early 2000, refuting the official version, according to which the death appeared to be a suicide attempt.
Emmanuel Macron made the confession at a time when tensions between France and Algeria are high, especially after Macron's visit to Morocco, AFP notes.
„The recognition of this assassination shows that the work for the historical truth that President Macron started together with President Abdelmadjid Teboun will continue”, the press release emphasized, adding that Emmanuel Macron's goal is “to create a peaceful and shared memory“.
„Also, with a view to future generations, the head of state has undertaken the obligation again and again to seek ways to reconcile the memories between the two countries”, emphasizes the Elysée Palace.