Algerian journos protest restrictions on press freedoms

<p>By Hassan Jebril</p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Dozens of Algerian journalists on Thursday demonstrated in capital Algiers to protest stepped-up restrictions on press freedoms.</p> <p>According to an Anadolu Agency correspondent at the scene, journalists gathered in central Algiers to protest what they described as “media blackouts and rampant censorship by the authorities”.</p> <p>The area was eventually cordoned off by police, who arrested at least 15 demonstrators, according to witnesses.</p> <p>On Tuesday, employees of Algeria’s state radio broadcasting agency staged a sit-in outside the agency’s headquarters to protest a government ban on covering rallies against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s planned bid for a fifth term in office.</p> <p>Earlier this month, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front officially nominated the 81-year-old Bouteflika — who has ruled Algeria since 1999 — to run in presidential elections slated for April 18.</p> <p>Opposition leaders have repeatedly urged the aging head of state — who in 2013 was treated for a blood clot in the brain — to refrain from contesting the upcoming poll.</p> <p>Anti-Bouteflika demonstrations have since been reported in several Algerian provinces, including Annaba, Setif, Kalime, Jijel, Bejaia,Tizi Ouzou, Buira, Bumerdas, Tiaret, Relizane, Vahran and Ouargla.</p>