For the 39th consecutive Tuesday, thousands of students, teachers, civil servants, and members of the Pact of Democratic Alternative (PAD) took to the streets in Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou to reiterate their demands. The protesters chanted slogans, including "liberation of opinion detainees" and rejected the December 12, 2019, presidential election. They also called for the release of "political prisoners" and displayed banners with anti-government messages.
The protests, which began in April, have become a weekly occurrence in many Algerian cities. In Bejaia, the protesters marched through the city, chanting slogans and waving banners. They eventually gathered in front of the city's tribunal, where they continued to voice their demands. The PAD had previously released a statement calling for the completion of the revolution, which aims to achieve an independent judiciary and the reappropriation of the nation's wealth.
The PAD also condemned the prison sentences handed to those who carried the Amazigh emblem, calling for their unconditional release. In Tichy, a general strike was observed in response to the upcoming presidential election. The protesters in Tizi Ouzou followed the usual route, starting from the Hasnaoua campus of the Mouloud Mammeri University and ending at the "Place de la Bougie".
The protesters chanted slogans, including "Dawla madania machi âskaria" and "Pouvoir assassin", which translate to "Civil state, not military state" and "Murderous regime", respectively. They also demanded an independent judiciary and the release of detained protesters. The protests were marked by a strong turnout, with many citizens joining the procession as it progressed through the city.
According to the PAD, the protests aim to achieve a free and independent judiciary and to reclaim the nation's wealth. The group has also called for the repeal of the hydrocarbon law and the 2020 finance law. The protests have been ongoing for nearly a year, with no signs of abating.
The Algerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with many accusing the authorities of using excessive force to disperse demonstrators. The government has also been criticized for its decision to hold a presidential election on December 12, despite widespread opposition.
The protests in Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou are part of a larger movement that has swept across Algeria, with protests reported in many cities. The movement has been marked by a strong sense of solidarity among protesters, who have been joined by citizens from various sectors of society.
Key points
- Thousands of Algerians protest in Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou, demanding the release of opinion detainees and rejecting the December 12 presidential election.
