The European Parliament on Thursday condemned what it called human rights violations in Algeria and voted on a resolution calling for an end to the current crisis by launching a peaceful and inclusive political process, a day after clashes between police and anti-election protesters in the eastern city of Bouira.
In a session on the situation of freedoms in Algeria, the parliament also condemned what it called arbitrary and unlawful arrests of a number of demonstrators, journalists, students, political activists and human rights defenders who participated in the movement of Algeria.
The European Parliament called on the Algerian authorities to allow peaceful demonstrations and the release of all detainees for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
For her part, said EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini that respect for freedoms in Algeria would help to resolve the crisis and support stability, stressing the EU respect for the sovereignty and independence of Algeria.
| Saleh rejects foreign intervention in his country (European) |
Criticize and reject
On Wednesday, Algerian army chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Kayed Saleh criticized foreign interference in Algeria's affairs.
He said there were those who described it as a gang calling for foreign parties and vowed that the army would thwart its plans, adding that Algeria is free and independent in its decision and does not accept any interference or dictates.
Gayed Saleh's reference to foreign interventions comes in light of statements by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on ways to resolve the crisis in Algeria, and the announcement of the French MP in the European Parliament Rafael Gluxman to open a debate and the issuance of an urgent list of the European Parliament on the Algerian crisis.
| Protesters in the movement reject the presidential elections in the presence of symbols of the regime of Bouteflika (Al Jazeera) |
Protests and opposition
This year, Algeria witnessed weekly mass peaceful protests that led to the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika last April, and continued to demand the resignation of other leaders of the old guard.
Protesters and police have mostly avoided violence since the protests began in February.
Protesters oppose elections to succeed Bouteflika, saying they cannot be fair as long as his allies retain power and the military plays a role in political life.
In Bouira, eastern Algeria, clashes broke out yesterday between police and demonstrators who tried to prevent the gathering of presidential candidate Ali Benflis.
Protesters surrounded the meeting room and chanted "No elections with the gang," referring to the ruling leaders, before clashes with the riot police.
Residents said a number of protesters were injured, while one said that "calm prevailed this morning," adding that the authorities arrested several protesters, but there was no official confirmation from the Ministry of Justice.
However, Ali Benflis organized his rally, as he appeared on his Facebook campaign, and stated during his speech at the rally attended by a few of his supporters "I knew that before this meeting started there was some kind of violence, I'm sorry, so I came pregnant Peace and peace. "
Prime Minister Ali Benflis says between 2000 and 2003 that he has become an opponent since he left office after a dispute with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, but remains in the eyes of the popular movement as part of the system they are demanding his departure, like other candidates.