Algerian protesters mark 65th independence anniversary

By Abdelrazek Abdallah

ALGIERS (AA) - Algerian protesters on Friday marked the 65th anniversary of Independence War as weekly demonstrations take place for the 37th Friday.

Demonstrations which began late Thursday coincided with official celebrations of the Algerian revolution against French colonialism on Nov. 1, 1954.

The Algerian War of Independence took place between 1954 and 1962 and ended with the departure of French colonialism after 130 years of occupation.

Demonstrations with remarkably higher turnout were witnessed in capital Algiers and other Algerian cities in response to calls for participation by activists.

Protesters chanted slogans including "the people want independence" and "no elections with supervision of gangs" referring to rejection of overseeing the upcoming elections by officials of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's era.

Algerian polls are slated for Dec. 12 in which 22 candidates run for presidency.

The December elections will be the first after the resignation of the long-serving President Bouteflika early in April, under pressure from mass protests demanding the removal of the ruling elite and the prosecution of people suspected of corruption.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat