24 Aug 2020 | 10:00 AM UTC
Switzerland: Supporters of Algerian protest movement gather in Geneva August 23
Supporters of the Algerian Hirak protest movement gather in Geneva on August 23; avoid all demonstrations as a precaution
Event
Approximately 300 supporters of the Algerian Hirak protest movement demonstrated in Geneva on Sunday, August 23, in front of the UN building. The demonstrators gathered calling for democracy in Algeria and to denounce the detentions of many Hirak activists, political opponents, and internet users, who have allegedly been targeted by Algerian authorities in Algeria. Reports suggest that the demonstrations remained peaceful.
Associated protests are possible in the near term.
Context
In Algeria, protests have taken place to denounce the current political system despite the election of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on December 12, 2019. Demonstrators are still calling for civil and popular sovereignty and have rejected the recent presidential electoral process. The protest movement has been officially ongoing since February 23, 2019.
Advice
Those in Switzerland are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions around protest sites.
