Demonstrators gather in capital Algiers amid a wave of anti-corruption investigations launched by the army after protests ended the rule of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Ahmed Ouyahia appeared in court as part of anti-graft investigations which have also swept up other key ministers who once formed part of the ‘deep state’ that ruled Algeria from independence in 1962.
Former Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, replaced in March, was the latest person held in a sweeping anti-corruption campaign amid a people's revolt to do away with the era led by ex-President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Algeria's Constitutional Council rejected two unknown candidates for the presidency and said that the planned July 4 elections would not be held.
Memes, songs and slogans are driving the countrywide protests, but some people have started to differ on the language and choice of words used, exposing the fault lines among the demonstrators.
A statement from a military tribunal in Blida, south of Algiers, says the prosecutor appointed a judge to investigate the ex-president's young brother Said Bouteflika and generals Mohamed Mediene, known as Toufik, and Athmane Tartag.
After weeks-long demonstrations forced president Bouteflika out of office on April 2, protesters have continued mass demonstrations every Friday, demanding other members of the country's elite also give way.
The recent referendum in Egypt extends President Abdel Fattah el Sisi's tenure - but more importantly, it is a complete capture of Egypt's institutions.
Algerian state TV said five billionaires, including the country’s richest businessman Issad Rebrab and four brothers from the Kouninef family, have been arrested as part of an anti-graft investigation.
Organisers encouraged protesters to come out in Algiers and other cities to show that the departure last week of long-time leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika is not enough, that they want complete political change.
Algerians have continued with the demonstrations, which kicked off in February against veteran leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the ruling "gang," hoping for wholesale reforms in the political arena.
Algeria’s fate is clouded with uncertainty as unseen forces within its ruling elite battle for supremacy, while doing their best to survive the continuing calls for meaningful change across the country.
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