Pro-democracy rally begins in Algeria, defying ban
Thousands defied a government ban to hold a pro-democracy rally in Algiers
Thousands of people are holding a pro-democracy rally in Algeria’s capital Algiers, defying a government ban. Scuffles broke out between the protesters and riot police and a number of people were reportedly arrested.
Algeria – like Egypt, Tunisia and other countries in the region – has recently witnessed demonstrations for greater freedoms and better living standards.
Public demonstrations are banned in Algeria because of a state of emergency still in place since 1992.
Heavy police presence
The protesters gathered at Algiers’ 1 May Square on Saturday morning.
They chanted “Bouteflika out!” – in reference to the country’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. …
Read more : BBC
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