Algeria arrests protesters against Bouteflika re-election bid

Algerian police yesterday arrested a number of political and human rights activists and journalists who protested in central Algiers against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s bid for re-election for a fifth term.

The head of the Union for Change and Progress party, Zubaida Asul, told the Anadolu Agency that the police had arrested her and a number of heads of political parties and other activists who protested in a bid to defend democracy.

Police confiscated activists’ mobile phones before taking them to security facilities, protesters said. They were later released.

Algeria is expected to hold presidential elections in April or May 2019 when 81-year-old Bouteflika is expected to stand for a fifth term.

The premier has yet to announce his position, however opposition figures have called for him to retire in light of his ailing health.

Bouteflika was debilitated by a stroke five years ago.

Algeria parties agree on Bouteflika’s political future