Algerians protest new interim president

By Hassan Jebrel

ALGIERS (AA) – Security forces on Tuesday forcibly dispersed demonstrations held against Abdelkader Bensaleh, who was appointed interim president earlier the same day.

Bensaleh was appointed interim leader for a three-month period, replacing long-serving President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned last week amid continued popular protests against his rule.

Police on Tuesday used teargas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators in Algiers, who began their protest from the capital’s Martyrs' Square.

After police initially managed to clear the area, thousands of protesters later returned to the square, vowing to maintain their demonstrations until Bensaleh vacates the presidency.

Along with Bensaleh, protesters also demand the departure of recently-appointed Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui and Constitutional Council President Tayeb Belaiz.

Reports of Bensaleh's appointment earlier Tuesday sent thousands onto the streets of Algiers and a number of other Algerian cities, including Constantine and Bejaia.

Last week, Bouteflika announced his resignation after weeks of popular protests against his continued rule.

Activists, however, have vowed to continue protesting to demand the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials.