Larbi Ben M'hidi

Who was Larbi Ben M'hidi?

Mohammed Larbi Ben M'hidi, commonly known as Larbi Ben M'hidi or simply as Ben M'hidi, was a prominent Algerian leader during the war of independence. He is regarded as one of the nine historic chiefs of the Algerian revolution against French colonialism.

Ben M'hidi initially commanded Wilaya V and played an important role at the FLN's Soummam conference in August 1956. He headed FLN operations during the Battle of Algiers where he was the last member of the FLN's Comité de Coordination et d'Exécution.

He was captured by French paratroopers in February 1957. His death was announced in March 1957 by Robert Lacoste's press officer. The events surrounding his death were disputed by many, and contended that he was in fact tortured and executed. In 2000, General Aussaresses admitted that Ben M'hidi was executed. Ben M'hidi is considered to be a national hero in Algeria.