National anti-terrorism demonstrations held in Algeria

Algerians held marches and rallies across the country on Tuesday to condemn terrorism and to express their support for national reconciliation initiated by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, six days after the two car bomb attacks which occurred in the Algerian capital last week.

Thousands of Algerians poured into streets in the countryside from 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT) to condemn terrorism, while in Algiers, a popular rally was organized at the July 5 Dome in the capital's suburb.

According to the organizers, the marches and rallies are taking place to "denounce the disgraceful criminal acts targeting the Republic's institutions causing heavy human losses, and to say no to terrorism and yes to national reconciliation."

This is the first time since the beginning of terrorism in Algeria more than ten years ago, that the entire political class, civil associations and societies have united for such a significant action across the country.

In conformity with the law of state of emergency which has still been in force for the last decade, all street rallies or demonstrations are banned. But Algerian authorities issued a special authorization to the organizers of these particular rallies and demonstrations.

Anti-terrorism marches and other demonstrations are authorized despite the state of emergency, on condition that "the applicants prove they are peaceful, organized and responsible," according to Algerian Internal and Local Government Minister Noureddine Zerhouni.

The Al-Qaeda group in North Africa claimed responsibility in a statement posted on the internet for launching the two car bombs attacks that took place last Wednesday in Algiers causing 30 deaths and injuring more than 220 people.

Source: Xinhua