Algerians hold anti-regime demos for 10th Friday in row

By Hassan Jebril

ALGIERS (AA) - Hundreds of Algerians demonstrated in capital Algiers on Friday to demand the departure of all officials affiliated with the regime of ousted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned early this month after two decades in power.

For the tenth week in a row, more than 1,000 protesters converged on the capital’s Al-Barid Square, where they shouted anti-regime slogans and demanded the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials.

Early this month, the 82-year-old Bouteflika announced his resignation following several weeks of popular protests against his continued rule.

Abdelkader Bensalah, a former speaker of parliament, is currently serving as interim president for a 90-day transitional period -- overseen by the army -- during which presidential elections will be held.

Demonstrators, however, have continued to call for the removal of all government officials associated with the Bouteflika regime, including Bensalah.

They are also demanding accountability for Said Bouteflika, the former president’s influential brother who had also served as his adviser.

The number of demonstrators is expected to increase following Friday prayers.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat