Algerians stage fresh anti-Bouteflika demonstrations

<p>By Hassan Jebil</p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Algerians staged fresh demonstrations in Algiers on Friday to demand the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. </p> <p>Defying relatively cold weather and rain, protesters gathered in several parts of the capital singing patriotic anthems and shouting anti-Bouteflika slogans.</p> <p>The protests were accompanied by stepped-up security in several districts of the capital, especially in and around vital state institutions.</p> <p>Last week, after several weeks of protests against his plan to stand for a fifth presidential term, the 82-year-old Bouteflika postponed elections slated for April 18 and officially withdrew his candidacy.</p> <p>Last Friday, Algerians staged mass demonstrations — in several parts of the country — against the move, accusing Bouteflika of unconstitutionally extending his fourth term in office, which is set to expire next month.</p> <p>In February, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated Bouteflika, who has ruled Algeria since 1999, to run for a fifth presidential term.</p> <p>Opposition figures had repeatedly urged the aging leader, who in 2013 was treated for a blood clot in the brain, to refrain from contesting the upcoming poll.</p>