Hundreds of Algerians began to gather in the heart of the capital on Friday, starting the 42nd week of Hirak, the last protest Friday ahead of the December 12 presidential election.
The elections are taking place amid a split in the Algerian street between supporters who consider it inevitable to overcome the crisis that has been going on since the eruption of the popular movement on February 22, and opponents who see the need to postpone and demand the departure of the rest of the symbols of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
A debate is taking place between the five candidates two days before the end of the election campaign, in preparation for the first presidential elections since the popular protests forced President Bouteflika to resign.
For its part, the authorities refused to postpone the elections, said the army chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Qaid Saleh recently that "Algeria is able to sort out its leadership during the next stage."
Amnesty condemns
Meanwhile, Amnesty International announced yesterday that Algerian authorities "have stepped up their crackdown" targeting protesters as the presidential elections approach.
"Since the presidential campaign began, the Algerian authorities have stepped up attacks on freedom of expression and assembly," said Heba Merayef, director of the Middle East and North Africa regional office.
The organization condemned the "arbitrary arrests", "the violent dispersal of peaceful demonstrations against the presidential election" and the "trial and imprisonment of dozens of peaceful activists" in recent weeks.
The organization called on the Algerian authorities to "immediately and unconditionally release everyone detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression or assembly."