Algerian lawyers protest president’s bid for 5th term

ALGIERS

Hundreds of Algerian lawyers on Thursday staged demonstrations in capital Algiers to protest President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's planned bid for a fifth term in office.

Wearing their professional barristers’ uniforms, lawyers raised banners and shouted slogans decrying the 82-year-old Boutelflika’s intention to contest presidential elections slated for April 18.

On Wednesday, members of Algeria’s bar association announced plans to boycott all court proceedings next week to protest Bouteflika's hopes of securing a fifth term.

Lawyers plan to maintain their boycott for four consecutive days -- starting next Monday -- “to show support for the popular movement against Bouteflika's fifth-term ambitions”, according to a statement released by the bar association.

Last month, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated Bouteflika -- who has ruled Algeria since 1999 -- to run for a fifth presidential term.

Since then, Algeria has seen several anti-Bouteflika demonstrations in different parts of the country, including capital Algiers.

Writing by Mahmoud Barakat

ALGIERS

Hundreds of Algerian lawyers on Thursday staged demonstrations in capital Algiers to protest President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's planned bid for a fifth term in office.

Wearing their professional barristers’ uniforms, lawyers raised banners and shouted slogans decrying the 82-year-old Boutelflika’s intention to contest presidential elections slated for April 18.

On Wednesday, members of Algeria’s bar association announced plans to boycott all court proceedings next week to protest Bouteflika's hopes of securing a fifth term.

Last month, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated Bouteflika -- who has ruled Algeria since 1999 -- to run for a fifth presidential term.

Since then, Algeria has seen several anti-Bouteflika demonstrations in different parts of the country, including capital Algiers.

Writing by Mahmoud Barakat