Algeria: Security forces deploy tear gas and arrest dozens during protests in Kabylie region June 19 /update 72

Event

Dozens of protesters were arrested during anti-government demonstrations in the Kabylie region on Friday, June 19. Participants demanded the release of activists detained during earlier demonstrations and called for the government to resign, despite a ban on public gatherings amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Arrests were made in the cities of Oran, Tlemcen, Relizane, Annaba, and Bordj Bou Arreridj. Skirmishes between protesters and security forces were reported in Bejaia outside the headquarters of the district, and tear gas was deployed to disperse demonstrators. A heightened security presence was also reported in Tizi Ouzou, where small pockets of protesters were detained.

Similar protests were reported in other regional cities including in Bordj Badji Mokhtar (Adrar province).

Further associated protests are to be expected in Kabylie and in other cities across the country over the near term. A heightened security presence is likely in the vicinity of all protests.

Context

Protests to denounce the current political system have continued 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.

Algerian authorities have intensified a crackdown on the anti-government protest movement; authorities have arrested approximately 200 activists linked to the protest movement since the COVID-19 restrictions came into effect three months ago.

Advice

Individuals in Algeria are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to business and transportation around protest sites.