Thousands in Algeria protest against fifth term for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika
- Despite warning from ruler, who is out of the country getting medical treatment, protesters took to the streets across the country
- Opposition politician Rachid Nekkaz was arrested for trespassing at the hospital in Geneva where Bouteflika is being treated
Thousands of Algerians gathered on Friday chanting slogans against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term, despite the defiant leader’s warning of the risk of “chaos”.
Waving Algeria’s green, white and red flag, men and women converged on the city’s landmark Grand Post Office square, as youths staged a peaceful march, Agence France-Presse journalists said.
Security in Algiers was tight, with anti-riot vehicles out in force, alongside a water cannon, as a police helicopter hovered overhead, although the past two weeks of demonstrations have been mostly calm.
In a message released on the eve of the fresh protests, Bouteflika warned that troublemakers may try to infiltrate the demonstrations.
“Many of our fellow citizens” have showed across the North African country “to peacefully express their views”, he said.