Thousands of Algerians protest against Bouteflika

Tens of thousands of Algerians defied heavily deployed riot police today and resumed mass protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s plans to stand for a fifth term, Reuters reported.

Unusually, one of the most popular imams in Algiers did not pray for the president as he does every Friday, and only wished the best for Algeria and its people.

Several lawmakers of the ruling FLN party have resigned to join the mass anti-government protests, the private Ashourouq TV station said. No details were immediately available.

Train and metro services in Algiers were suspended without explanation before Algerians gathered once again to press the 82-year-old Bouteflika to step down.

The ailing Bouteflika, who suffered a stroke in 2013, is in hospital in Geneva and has not spoken publicly since 2014. But yesterday he issued his first warning to protesters, saying the unrest, now entering its third week, could destabilise the country.

WATCH: Algerians say no to the fifth term

Tens of thousands of Algerians, tired of the dominance of elderly veterans of the 1954-1962 War of Independence from France, are demanding Bouteflika step down, but despite ill health, he has submitted his candidacy papers.

Bouteflika has offered to limit his term after the election – and even to change the “system” that runs the country – but people from different classes of society, including students and young families, are still on the street.

Some long-time allies of Bouteflika, including members of the ruling party, have expressed support for the protesters, revealing cracks within a ruling elite long regarded as invincible.

Algerians have been urged to stage a “March of 20 Million” today by an anonymous party on social media, and hundreds gathered in Algiers ahead of what could be the biggest demonstrations yet in the capital and other cities.

READ: Algeria police fire tear gas as thousands protest against Bouteflika re-election bid

“Bouteflika, go!” read one banner. “Algeria is a republic, not a kingdom”, “No elections until the gangs are brought down”, said others.

Riot police have been deployed in growing numbers in recent days, but the military has so far stayed in its barracks.

“Today will be a decisive day,” said Mohamed, a teacher in Algiers.