Algerian lawyers hold protest

ALGIERS (AA): Hundreds of Algerian lawyers on Thursday staged demonstrations in capital Algiers to protest President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s planned bid for a fifth term in office. Wearing their professional barristers’ uniforms, lawyers raised banners and shouted slogans decrying the 82-year-old Boutelflika’s intention to contest presidential elections slated for April 18.

On Wednesday, members of Algeria’s bar association announced plans to boycott all court proceedings next week to protest Bouteflika’s hopes of securing a fifth term. Lawyers plan to maintain their boycott for four consecutive days starting next Monday “to show support for the popular movement against Bouteflika’s fifth-term ambitions”, according to a statement released by the bar association. Last month, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated Bouteflika who has ruled Algeria since 1999 to run for a fifth presidential term.