Algerian protesters defy police to keep up pressure on regime
algiers — Algerian police tried but failed to disperse protesters gathered for the first Friday protests since the announcement of presidential elections to succeed ousted leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
There was no violence as riot police attempted to clear the principal protest site outside the landmark main post office in central Algiers.
Dozens of police were encircled by hundreds of demonstrators, called to protest against alleged manoeuvring by the regime to stay in power.
The crowd, shouting “silmiya, silmiya” (peaceful, peaceful)”, cleared a path for the police to pull back as the demonstrators urged the officers to join their protest.
“We feel there is some tension this Friday, there are a lot of police,” said Karima Bourenane, 36, who turned up with her daughter. “I hope the demonstration will stay peaceful.”
Social media, the source of mass protests which led to the end of Bouteflika’s two-decade rule, have been filled with calls for an eighth consecutive Friday of demonstrations, this time under the slogan of “They will all leave.”
Presidential elections are to be held on July 4, interim leader Abdelkader Bensalah’s office announced on Wednesday, just hours after he pledged “transparent” polls. The new date was set a day after Bensalah assumed office for a 90-day period, as stipulated by the constitution but much to the ire of demonstrators.
The appointment of upper house speaker Bensalah as Algeria’s first new president in 20 years has failed to meet the demands of demonstrators.
Although 77-year-old Bensalah is barred under the constitution from running in the upcoming election, protesters have nonetheless pushed for the close Bouteflika ally to step down.
Students and magistrates have called for renewed rallies and marches in the capital and other cities across the North African country.
“I’m not going to vote. What for?” asked Walid.