ALGIERS, Algeria, Mar 2 (NNN-APS) – As many as 56 police officers and seven citizens were injured, during Friday’s massive anti-government protest in Algeria, local police department said.
Despite peaceful marches, the demonstrators were intruded by groups of troublemakers, who stole money from a fuel station in downtown Algiers.
They also set fire on two vehicles and vandalised facades of a state-run bank and Djazair Hotel, near the neighbourhood of El Mouradia, where the presidency’s headquarters were located.
These incidents occurred late in the evening, after the majority of protesters returned home. At least 45 people were arrested, including those who vandalised public and private properties.
Meanwhile, Echorouk TV channel alleged that, a man died of an epileptic, after anti-riot forces shot tear gas to disperse protesters, who were trying to head to the neighbourhood of El Mouradia.
Friday’s anti-government marches were the largest ever in the last three decades, as hundreds of thousands of people took to the street.
The marches were peaceful, as anti-riot forces did not resort to repression.
Presidential election in Algeria is due to be held on Apr 18, but some observers believe that the vote may be postponed due to the current situation characterised by massive anti-regime protests.
Some 190 candidates started submitting their candidacy files to the Constitutional Council for examination. All files meeting standards would be given green light for the election campaign.
Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, insisted that the polls are maintained on the preset date, calling on the people to vote, to make the aspired change.
Incumbent President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, is currently in Geneva for medical examinations, according to a presidential statement.
Bouteflika, 81, suffered a stroke in 2013, but he was re-elected in 2014, for a fourth term until 2019.– NNN-APS
