Algerian police disperses protesters in Algiers

ALGIERS, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The protesters in Algeria on Saturday failed in organizing a rally against the government as thousands of police intervened.

The security authorities have deployed thousands of policemen on the roads leading to the Concorde square, and the demonstrators and journalists were forced out of the square.

About 400 to 500 demonstrators have been dispersed, while the security forces remained on the spot.

Although the police did not use tear gas, the National Coordination for Change and Democracy (CNCD), the non-recognized opposition group told Xinhua that some protesters were injured on Saturday, without mentioning the number.

The protesters chanted anti-government slogans, including " people want to overthrow the regime," and "Free and Democratic Algeria."

The CNCD has decided to protest every Saturday in Algiers until President Abdelaziz Bouteflika meets their demands.

The Algerian government claims the supporters of the CNCD as " minority," after major opposition parties like Socialist Forces Front (FFS), Ennahda Movement and Al Islah Movement decided to boycott the call of the CNCD.

The government has banned marches in the capital of Algiers for security reasons, referring to suicide bombings of 2007 which killed tens of people.

Source: Xinhua.
Link: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-02/20/c_13740084.htm.