Tens of thousands of Algerians have taken to the streets across the country to protest against what they claim is 81-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s intention to run for a fifth term. The demonstrations have already been dubbed the biggest protests since the Arab spring, with photos and videos from the gathering circulating on social media.
READ MORE: Thousands of Students in Algeria Protest President’s Reelection Bid
Initially, many netizens pointed out that the Friday protest was peaceful, and riot police stayed out of it, smiling at passers-by, who chanted “peaceful, we’re brothers”, while mainstream media only reported that the protests have turned violent:
🇩🇿Algeria: demonstrators chanting "peaceful, we're brothers" and passing by anti-riot police who are smiling. The Algerian system clearly avoiding escalating what could become an explosive situation — learning from past mistakes #حراك_1_مارس pic.twitter.com/Ykb17zo5Zo
— Weddady (@weddady) 1 марта 2019 г.
Algeria: Police and the Gendarmerie were clearly told to stay clear of the demonstrators today, and they did almost all over the country. #حراك_1_مارس pic.twitter.com/N94SzrxE2L
— Weddady (@weddady) 1 марта 2019 г.
🇩🇿 Algeria: Creative protest signs today — "The People Want: Alt Ctrl Del" #حراك_1_مارس pic.twitter.com/pR6r5ptmCf
— Weddady (@weddady) 1 марта 2019 г.
— Raouf (@muvit07) 2 марта 2019 г.
THE POLICE IS THE PEOPLE
— Algeria Wakes Up (@AlgeriaUp) 1 марта 2019 г.
In today's protests, the police forces show their solidarity to the common cause for freedom and social justice.
Live from Oran, Algeria#AlgeriaWakesUp#حراك_1_مارس pic.twitter.com/vHhH3yBl36
Shortly after that, some media outlets reported that law enforcement officers had used tear gas to disperse a group of about 200 young people, who hurled stones at police around 1.5 km from the presidential palace in Algiers.
READ MORE: At Least 10 Reportedly Hurt Amid Clashes at Opposition Rally in Algeria (PHOTOS)
AFP reported officers threw stones back at protesters and used batons to prevent demonstrators from reaching key central locations in Algiers, blocking protesters from approaching the Government Palace, which houses the prime minister's offices.
TWEET: “Yes, it was ugly for the end of a wonderful day. The youths were peaceful until they were showered with tear gas”.
Oui, c’était moche pour la fin d’une journée magnifique. Les jeunes étaient pacifiques, jusqu’à ce qu’ils reçoivent une pluie de tires au gaz lacrymogène.#1erMars #1er_Mai #algerie pic.twitter.com/3PJBqucQum
— khaled Aboubaker (@bobkhaled06) 1 марта 2019 г.
TWEET: “#Algeria Violent clashes erupted between protesters and police near the presidential palace during a massive anti-government demonstration in #Algeria. The use of tear gas was reported”.
#Algerie De violents affrontements ont éclaté entre les manifestants et les forces de police près du palais présidentiel au cours d'une manifestation anti-gouvernementale massive à #Alger
— Rebecca Rambar (@RebeccaRambar) 1 марта 2019 г.
L'emploi de gaz lacrymogène a été signalé#Algeria #Algiers #AbdekazizBouteflika #Bouteflika pic.twitter.com/RPuEHhj4Sg
According to the Algerian new outlet En-Nahar, citing the country's General Directorate of National Security, 56 police officers and at least 10 demonstrators were injured in the unrest, with 45 arrests made in the Algerian capital.
READ MORE: Rallies Against Bouteflika's Bid to Seek Re-Election Resume in Algeria — Reports
Bouteflika, who suffered a stroke in 2013 and has rarely been seen in public since, announced his plan to seek another presidential term on 10 February, triggering a wave of nationwide protests. Since he is expected to submit a formal application to stand in the April election on Sunday, another string of protests may be expected over this weekend.
