Again, mass protests in Algeria against President Bouteflika

Also on Friday, tens of thousands of people in the capital Algiers and in other places by the roads. Observers estimated but hundreds of thousands of protesters and languages of the largest rallies since the beginning of the protests in February.

During the riots, were arrested on Friday, according to the authorities, 75 rioters. They would have damaged cars and public buildings. 11 police officers had been injured. The presidential Palace and other buildings were protected by a strong police presence.

In Algiers the centre were filled with large squares and many streets with protesters. They sang chants against an extended term of office of the decrepit heads of state and called for a fundamental change of the political system. The entire government would have to cede, said a protester in Algiers.

promise for reforms

It was the fourth Friday in a row with mass protests in Algeria. The demonstrations were directed initially against the re-candidacy of Bouteflika in the presidential election. This withdrew on Monday his application, and promised reforms. Among other things, a new Constitution should be drafted. In addition, Bouteflika postponed the planned for April election, without naming a new date. So, he extended his term in office for an indefinite period of time. His current mandate runs actually on 28. April.

The 82-Year-old is 20 years in Power. Since a stroke he is in a wheelchair and has trouble Speaking. In Public, he no longer shows all the time, and had recently been treated in Switzerland. Behind Bouteflika, a network of politicians, army personnel and business representatives who govern the country.

The Algerian authorities had the security contingent in Algiers on Friday morning again tightened. At the same time, you could stop buses, the protesters from the surrounding area in the city centre. Also the Metro is a about hours your traffic. (sda)

Created: 16.03.2019, 06:19 PM