Tensions between police, protests as Algerians march anew
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) - Heavy police deployment and repeated volleys of water cannon didn't deter masses of Algerians from packing the streets of the capital Friday, insisting that their revolution isn't over just because the president stepped down.
The protest was overwhelmingly peaceful - like the overall 8-week-old movement - but tensions were higher than usual.
A larger-than-usual police deployment met protesters who converged on Algiers, lining boulevards and checking all vehicles entering the city.
Protest organizers encouraged Algerians to come out in Algiers and other cities to show that the departure last week of longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is not enough, that they want wholesale political change.
Skirmishes broke out at the outset of the protest near the central post office, which has become a symbol of the pro-democracy movement.
Apparently seeking to avoid an escalation of violence, rows of riot police then suddenly started pulling back from the area, lowering their face shields and truncheons. The crowd broke out in applause as police vans drove away, shouting "The police with the people!"
Later, however, Associated Press reporters saw police fire volleys of water cannon at shouting protesters on the route toward the central post office. It was unclear what police was prompted to act.
The street was packed with protesters waving Algerian flags. Protesters shouted "Authorities - Assassins!" and surrounded the water cannon truck, with some appearing to hit it.
Most of the anger was focused on the interim president, Abdelkader Bensalah. He was named this week and announced elections for July 4.
"Bensalah, get out!" the protesters shouted, as a river of people adorned in green, white and red Algerian flags wove through the city.
"His Majesty the People orders you to resign tomorrow!" read one sign. Another called Bensalah, the prime minister and constitutional council president "Residue of the Bouteflika System."
Anger is also mounting at military chief Gen. Ahmed Gaid Salah, who was instrumental in Bouteflika's departure but then threw his support behind Bensalah, who is seen as part of the old regime.
Protesters called for a truly independent leadership structure and a technocratic government to lead a political transition.
"It's been eight weeks since I've seen my family, I'm so tired," said one police officer, Salim, as he choked back tears. The 32-year-old spoke to The AP on condition his last name not be used for fear of repercussions from police leadership. "I never thought I'd find myself confronting my compatriots to stop them from protesting. They're my age."
Algeria's protest movement has been driven by young people frustrated with corruption and unemployment and who want a new generation of leaders to replace people like Bouteflika, ailing and hobbled since a 2013 stroke.
"Mentalities have to change. It's not just about going out and shouting, which is good and important, but taking action is important too," said Imad Touji, a 22-year-old student.
"We really need to change things in a concrete way."
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Mosa'ab Elshamy in Algiers contributed.