Algerians stage massive anti-regime protests in capital

By Abdul Razak bin Abdullah</p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Hundreds of thousands of Algerians on Friday staged demonstrations — in capital Algiers and in other parts of the country — to demand the departure of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his regime.</p> <p>Friday’s demonstrations come three days after army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah called for the activation of a constitutional article with the aim of having the 82-year-old Bouteflika deemed unfit for office.</p> <p>In televised remarks broadcast Tuesday, Salah cited Article 102 of Algeria’s national charter, which states that the parliament speaker should assume executive authority in the event of the president’s incapacitation.</p> <p>One banner seen in Algiers on Friday read, “After Article 102, we will be rid of them” — an apparent reference to the president and members of his regime.</p> <p>Last week, following one month of protests against Bouteflika’s intention to run for a fifth term in office, the aging leader abruptly postponed elections — originally slated for April 18 — and formally announced his withdrawal from the race. </p> <p>Algerians, however, have continued demonstrate against Bouteflika, who they accuse of unconstitutionally extending his fourth term in office. </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, for their part, had repeatedly urged the elderly leader — who in 2013 was treated for a blood clot in the brain — to refrain from contesting the poll.