The streets of Algeria’s capital, Algiers, were oddly deserted on Friday as pro-democracy demonstrators stayed away as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Algerians have been demonstrating every Tuesday and Friday since February 2019 to demand changes to the government, a situation which led to the forced resignation of long-time leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika two months later.
But earlier this week some influential opposition leaders appealed to demonstrators to suspend their mass gathering as the country battles the coronavirus infections which have been reported in 17 of the country’s 48 provinces.
On Thursday President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered all land borders to be closed and all flights, except those carrying freight, to be suspended as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
He also banned mass gatherings, including demonstrations and congregational prayers.
However, mosques will continue to perform the call for prayers.
“Public health is above everything, even if in the process we will have to temporarily restrict some civil liberties,” Mr Tebboune said.
Six people have died of Covid-19 in the North African nation, which has confirmed 62 cases of the virus.
Source: BBC
