Police close Algiers' central square to demonstrators

By Hassan Jebril

ALGIERS (AA) - Algerian security forces on Friday barred protesters from entering the capital’s central Al-Barid Square.

Roughly 2,000 demonstrators attempted to converge on the square Friday morning, but were prevented from doing so -- for the first time -- by police.

Al-Barid Square has become a symbol of an ongoing popular uprising in Algeria, which prompted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down last month after weeks of popular protest against his 20-year rule.

Despite Bouteflika’s resignation, however, protesters have remained on the streets of Algiers -- and of other cities -- to demand the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials, including interim President Abdelkader Bensaleh.

The army is currently overseeing a 90-day transitional period and has promised to hold presidential elections on July 4.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat