Algerian students urge Bouteflika-era officials to quit

By Hassan Jibril

ALGIERS (AA) - Thousands of Algerian students marched on Sunday in the capital Algiers to protest against the continuity of Bouteflika-era officials in the state bureaucracy.

More than 5,000 students have gathered in front of the Central University in the Algerian capital, according to an Anadolu Agency correspondent at the scene.

The rally later headed from the central university to the central post office -- Al-Barid Square -- at the heart of the capital.

The demonstrators chanted slogans against interim President Abdelkader Bensaleh, Prime Minister Noureddine Badwi and members of his government.

The students also chanted slogans against the date of presidential elections slated for July 4.

The students' march in the capital coincided with the Algerian celebration of the Student Day which marks 19 May of each year.

Al-Barid Square has become a symbol of an ongoing popular uprising in Algeria, which prompted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down last month after weeks of popular protest against his 20-year rule.

Despite Bouteflika’s resignation, however, protesters have remained on the streets of Algiers -- and of other cities -- to demand the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials, including Bensaleh.

The army is currently overseeing a 90-day transitional period and has promised to hold presidential elections on July 4.