Algerian Democracy Activists Defy Protest Ban

Hundreds took to the streets of Algiers Saturday in protests that echoed demonstrations that brought down the government in neighbouring Tunisia.

Public gatherings have been banned in Algeria since 2002, and so 300 democracy activists’ attempt to march on the National Assembly this weekend was an act of open at of defiance against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s regime. Riot police surrounded the headquarters of Algeria’s main opposition party the Rally for Culture and Democracy and prevented protestors gathered there from marching on the government building as they had planned. Government officials said 19 people were injured in clashes with police, but the opposition put the figure closer to 40. Authoritarian leaders across the Arab world have been nervous since popular demonstrations in Tunisia overthrew dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on Jan. 14.