Masses of Algerians surged through the capital and rallied in other cities against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term.
By Aomar Ouali, Associated Press
March 1 2019 10:21 PM
Masses of Algerians surged through the capital and rallied in other cities against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term.
It was an exceptional popular challenge to the country’s secretive leadership.
Protesters surged past a barricade and defied repeated volleys of tear gas fired by police in the march in Algiers.
Most marchers were peaceful but a small group throwing stones clashed at the end of the event with police, causing some injuries.
Such anti-government protests are unusual in Algeria, where questions are growing about Mr Bouteflika’s fitness for office after a 2013 stroke that has left him largely hidden from public.
Police helicopters circled overhead as crowds gathered in streets and parks of Algiers after midday Muslim prayer services to join the march.
Organisers of the social media-driven movement hope the protest will send a loud signal of public discontent to Algeria’s secretive leadership before the April 18 presidential election.
“For a free and democratic Algeria!” shouted some demonstrators, or “No fifth term!”
The crowd included families with small children and women in headscarves or jeans.
