Algerian journos protest restrictions on press freedoms

By Hassan Jebril

ALGIERS (AA) - Dozens of Algerian journalists on Thursday demonstrated in capital Algiers to protest stepped-up restrictions on press freedoms.

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”.

The area was eventually cordoned off by police, who arrested at least 15 demonstrators, according to witnesses.

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.

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.

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.

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.