Podcast

Heavy police presence blocks protests in Algeria

Updated: 2011-02-14 13:05

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Thousands of police in riot gear blocked off the center of Algeria's capital on Saturday and stopped government opponents from staging a protest march that sought to emulate Egypt's popular revolt.

Small groups of demonstrators angry at President Abdelaziz Bouteflika gathered in May 1 Square in the center of Algiers shouting "Bouteflika out!". They waved newspaper front pages reporting Friday's overthrow of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak.

But riot police hemmed them in, stopping them from carrying out a plan to march through the city. Other protesters trying to reach the square found their way blocked and at least one of the protest organizers was arrested.

"It is a state of siege," said Abdeslam Ali Rachedi, a university lecturer and government opponent.

After about three hours, hundreds of people left the square quietly, with police opening up gaps in their cordon to let them through. Some 200 young men from a poor neighborhood nearby stayed on the square. Some threw objects at police.

Widespread unrest in Algeria could have implications for the world economy because it is a major oil and gas exporter.

Officials had banned Saturday's protest, citing public order concerns. A massive police mobilization, which started on Friday afternoon, appeared to have stifled it.

The protest was not backed by the main trade unions or the biggest opposition parties. Nearly all members of Algeria's radical Islamist groups, which were banned in the 1990s but still have grassroots influence, stayed away.

Responding to the opposition pressure, government officials say they are working hard to create more jobs and improve housing, and promised more democratic freedom including the lifting of a state of emergency in force for 19 years.

Questions:

1. What is the name of the capital?

2. How many young men stayed on the square?

3. When was a state of emergency put in force?

Answers:

1. Algiers.

2. 200.

3. 19 years ago.

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（中国日报网英语点津 Helen 编辑）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.