Algeria: Pressure Mounts On Ailing Bouteflika, As Lawyers Protest - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
Editor 2
March 7, 2019
Hundredsof Lawyers marched in the Algerian capital Algiers on Thursday in the latestprotest against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to seek afifth term in office.
TheNorth African country has been rocked by massive demonstrations against the82-year-old president since he announced in February his intention to run for anew term.
Bouteflikahas been in power since 1999.
Cladin black robes, the lawyers gathered outside the Constitutional Council, acommission in charge of handling potential contenders’ candidacy for the April18, presidential polls.
Bouteflikasuffered a stroke in 2013 and is rarely seen in public.
Hetravelled to Geneva on Feb. 24, for medical check-ups, and it is not clear ifhe has since returned to the country.
Bouteflika’sfitness for staying in power has been an open question since he stood for the2014 presidential vote, which he won.
Heconfirmed his bid for a new term on Sunday, promising massive reforms and toleave the post early if re-elected.