Thousands in Tizi Ouzou Mark 35th Consecutive Friday of Protests

The city of Tizi Ouzou in Algeria's Kabylie region witnessed a massive turnout for the 35th consecutive Friday of protests, with thousands of people taking to the streets. The demonstration was marked by a vibrant tribute to two prominent figures from the region: Krim Belkacem, a hero of the national liberation war, and Smaïl Yefsah, a local journalist who was assassinated on October 18, 1993.

The protest coincided with the 49th anniversary of Krim Belkacem's assassination, a date of great historical and symbolic significance. The participation in the protest was diverse, with people of all ages and social backgrounds in attendance. Women dressed in traditional Kabyle robes walked alongside young girls and women in Western-style clothing, while children and teenagers also joined in to demand a better Algeria and greater democracy.

The protesters followed their usual route through the city, carrying hundreds of national and Amazigh flags, as well as portraits of detained opposition figures, including Lakhdar Bouregâa and Karim Tabbou. They also displayed dozens of banners and placards with slogans in French, Amazigh, and Arabic, calling for opposition to the hydrocarbons law, the 2020 finance law, and the presidential elections scheduled for December 12, 2019.

The protesters demanded a radical change in the country's political system and reaffirmed their attachment to their Amazigh identity. Despite the large number of participants, the protest was peaceful and fraternal, with no incidents reported. The atmosphere was festive, with protesters expressing their demands through songs and chants, creating scenes reminiscent of a cultural festival.

The protest in Tizi Ouzou is part of a broader movement of protests across Algeria, which began in February 2019. The movement, known as the "Hirak," has been marked by widespread demonstrations and demands for political and economic reforms. The protesters in Tizi Ouzou have been consistent in their demands for a change in the political system and an end to corruption.

The city's residents have been joined by people from surrounding areas, who have also come to express their solidarity with the protesters. The protest has become a weekly event, with thousands of people taking to the streets every Friday to demand change. The movement has been marked by its peaceful nature, with protesters using non-violent means to express their demands.

The protest ended peacefully, with the crowd dispersing calmly at the Matoub Lounès intersection on the western outskirts of the city. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met, and the movement shows no signs of slowing down.

Key points

• Thousands of protesters in Tizi Ouzou marked the 35th consecutive Friday of protests, paying tribute to Krim Belkacem and Smaïl Yefsah.
• The protesters demanded a radical change in the country's political system and reaffirmed their attachment to their Amazigh identity.
• The protest was peaceful and festive, with no incidents reported despite the large number of participants.