The Algerian police on Saturday banned several marches organized by the National Coordination for Change and Democracy (CNCD), to demand wide political reforms.
The major opponent Said Sadi, President of the Gathering for Culture and Democracy (RCD), who dominates the CNCD, charged the police of not letting them move after the marching group was attacked by pro-Bouteflika demonstrators. "Police forces pushed me towards Bouteflika supporters," he said. Demonstrators had tried to reach the headquarter of the state- owned TV Station, but the police banned it.
Sadi further indicated that "police have banned the other marches that CNCD has called to," in reference to the marches that were to be organized in districts of Hussein Dey and Ain Benian in Algiers, as well as in Oran province, 400 km west of Algiers.
Authorities say they ban marches to uphold public order in the capital, and the decision has nothing to do with oppressing freedom of expression.