Wave of arrests in Algeria amid tightened security
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The Middle East Monitor reports that Algeria’s security forces launched a campaign of arrests in Algerian capital Algiers after large demonstrations began after Friday prayer.
Algerians went out to demonstrate for the 19th Friday in a row, demanding change to the regime after former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down in April.
Demonstrators withstood the extreme heat and heavy security presence, particularly in the capital where police arrested scores of people. Security forces were seen in official and civilian uniforms at the city’s Central Post Square, the gathering point for demonstrators since the start of the protests on 22 February..
Since the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on 2 April under pressure from the people, demonstrators have been demanding the departure of figures close to the old regime, including transitional President Abdelkader Bensalah.
The Army Chief of Staff Gaid Salah said that those demanding a transitional period seek to “protect corruption” and rejected the demonstrators’ demands and has not explained an alternative solution after the cancellation of presidential elections that were due to be held on 4 July because of the lack of candidates and their rejection by the protest movement.
While the constitution stipulates that Bensalah hand over power to a new president by 9 July, this deadline, in light of the cancellation of elections, remains so short that no new elections can be held.
