A student march in Algiers was repressed by Algerian police yesterday, resulting in injuries and arrests among the demonstrators. The march, which began at the Grande-poste, was part of a wave of peaceful protests that have been taking place in Algerian cities for several weeks. The police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the students, who were chanting slogans and demanding change.
The students, who came from almost all of Algiers' universities, had gathered at the Grande-poste early in the morning, despite a strong police presence. They began their march towards Place Audin, a symbol of large Algerian gatherings, but were met with a police charge of tear gas at the Tunnel des facultés. The students managed to break through the police cordon, but the water cannons were then used to try to stop them.
The police response was particularly strong on Rue Saâdane, where students were arrested and some were beaten, according to eyewitnesses. The repression of the student march has shocked public opinion, with many seeing it as a worrying escalation by the authorities. The students were determined to follow their planned route, which has been used by popular marches since February 22.
The announcement of Abdelkader Bensalah as head of state, following a parliamentary meeting at the Palais des nations, did not calm the situation. As news of his appointment spread, other citizens joined the student demonstrations. More students were arrested by police, while anti-riot forces charged at others.
By mid-afternoon, thousands of students had gathered in front of the Grande-poste, surrounded by a significant police deployment. The situation remained tense, with many students and citizens demanding change and criticizing the government's response. The police continued to use tear gas and water cannons to try to disperse the crowds.
The repression of the student march has been widely condemned, with many Algerians expressing outrage at the use of force against peaceful demonstrators. The incident has raised concerns about the government's handling of the protests and the potential for further escalation. The students and citizens are demanding greater freedoms and an end to corruption.
The protests in Algeria have been ongoing for several weeks, with demonstrators calling for political and economic reforms. The government has faced criticism for its response to the protests, with many Algerians demanding greater freedoms and an end to corruption. The situation remains uncertain, with many watching to see how the government will respond to the ongoing protests.
Key points
- Algerian police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a student march in Algiers.
- The repression of the student march has shocked public opinion and raised concerns about the government's handling of the protests.
- The protests in Algeria have been ongoing for several weeks, with demonstrators calling for political and economic reforms.
