Protesters take to streets across Algeria

Published April 3, 2021
A COMBO shows Algerians shouting slogans during an anti-government demonstration in Algiers.—AFP
A COMBO shows Algerians shouting slogans during an anti-government demonstration in Algiers.—AFP

ALGIERS: Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets of cities across Algeria on Friday, calling for an independent judiciary as a number of opposition leaders endure incarceration.

In the centre of the capital Algiers, national flags were held aloft by protesters, signifying the Hirak protest movement’s opposition to a government and leaders that they regard as illegitimate.

One banner read: “I have a dream -- democracy, the rule of law, freedom.” Pictures of detained prisoners of conscience featured alongside messages on numerous placards brought to the rally by protesters.

Around 30 people belonging or linked to the protest movement are currently behind bars.

“We want an independent judiciary. The injustice must stop!” said Mohammed, a 59-year-old retiree.

Another banner read “We are all Judge Merzoug”, referring to a magistrate who was suspended from his duties, amid criticism from Algeria’s justice ministry over his purported sympathy with the Hirak.

He is one of two judges who face legal action over links to the protest movement.

Protests also took place in several other cities, including Annaba in the east and Oran in the west.

The Hirak first mobilised in February 2019 and two months later forced then president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to abandon a bid for a fifth term and then resign.

The movement sees the government as little changed since his departure from office, and demands a new political system that reflects the will of the people.

A presidential election in late 2019 resulted in victory for President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, once a prime minister under Bouteflika, in a poll where even official figures put turnout at only 40 percent, amid a substantial boycott organised by the Hirak.

The huge crowds filling the streets of Algiers headed toward the imposing central post office, the movement’s traditional rallying point, in a joyful atmosphere.

Many participants sang, brandished the Algerian flag and shouted slogans that included No to the military state and “We won’t stop until the Hirak wins” under the watch of police helicopters. Similar marches were organised in other cities across the country.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

ALTHOUGH dealing with the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan is a major political, security and strategic...
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...