Date: Oct 10, 2019 Source: The Daily Star Algiers police prevent weekly student demo for first time Agence France Presse ALGIERS: Algerian police Tuesday prevented a weekly protest by students in the capital for the first time since an anti-regime movement took to the streets in February, AFP journalists and witnesses said. They forcefully barred access to a square in central Algiers and managed to disperse the demonstrators after several forays, making at least 14 arrests, an action group for the release of detainees said. "Police brutality reached a level not seen since the start of the demonstrations, according to several students", El-Watan newspaper wrote on its website. The prevention of the student march – a rally that takes place each Tuesday – follows a wave of arrests of journalists, activists and figures opposed to a December 12 presidential vote to replace longtime leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika who resigned in April after mass protests. Security forces have toughened their line against protests – including much larger rallies held each Friday, extending well beyond the student community – since the election date was confirmed in a mid-September announcement. Protesters have been demanding political reforms and the removal of regime insiders – including Gaid Salah himself – before any vote.