ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algerians are massing for a 10th week of protests against their country’s ruling class, calling for the ex-president’s brother to be put on trial.
Friday’s protest took aim at Said Bouteflika, whose brother Abdelaziz was Algeria’s president for two decades until swelling protests forced him to resign instead of seeking a fifth term. A presidential election has been set for July 4 to choose the successor to Bouteflika, but protesters want his entire ruling entourage gone from power.
Said Bouteflika has been a particular focus of their anger, and protesters on Friday accused him of being the “leader of the gang.”
Three wealthy brothers believed close to Said were detained for questioning this week in investigation intended to respond to demands to root out widespread corruption.
FILE – In this April 12, 2019 file photo, protestors carry a large flag and chant slogans during a demonstration against the country’s leadership, in Algiers. Algerian authorities are leading a “clean hands” campaign aimed at rooting out corruption that has caught up top tycoons and former government ministers. Corruption is one of the major complaints of the masses of protesters who helped drive longtime leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika from office earlier this month. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy, File)
