THE Algerian government has banned a protest planned by opposition parties and rights groups who plan to organize an anti-government rally in Algiers, the capital city.
Like Egypt, Jordan and Tunisia, Algiers has also been caught in the throes of an uprising by Islamic fundamentalists who have grouped together to revolt against governments in their countries.
The country has recently witnessed demonstrations ostensibly aimed at securing greater freedom for the people.
On Feb 11, police stopped people from gathering in the city to celebrate the downfall of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.
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However, opposition parties say they will not be cowed down by the ban and will go ahead with their march.
Mohsen Belabes, a spokesman for the Rally for Culture and Democracy party, was quoted by the BBC as saying that democracy would soon be ushered in Algeria.
Although Algeria has been under a state of emergency since 1992, police presence is more than what is usually witnessed in Algiers.
As if sensing the pulse of the people, Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika had earlier this month said the state of emergency would soon be lifted.
According to the country’s state-run media, the president made the announcement at a meeting of government ministers in Algiers. However, protests in the capital are still banned.
