Thousands join Algeria protests in France

Thousands join Algeria protests in France
Thousands of Algerian-origin protesters demonstrated in Paris and other cities around France on Sunday (March 10) against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, calling on him not to seek another term in office, AFP reported.

Several thousand gathered for the second weekend in a row at the Republique square in central Paris, while there were other smaller demonstrations in regional cities Marseille and Bordeaux.

"We need to get rid of the system," 24-year-old protester Ahmed Eddaidj, who was wrapped in an Algerian flag, told AFP in Paris.

The student, who has been in France for four years, added: "I'd like to go back to Algeria, but there's no work. We're looking for a better life."

Rachid Nekkaz -- a businessman and political activist opposed to Bouteflika -- was among those in Paris on Sunday after he was released by Swiss police.

Nekkaz, who was arrested on Friday at a Geneva hospital where Bouteflika has been receiving treatment, was carried briefly on the shoulders of a group of demonstrators.

France, which ruled Algeria for more than 100 years as a colonial power, is home to the largest population of Algerian-origin people outside of the north African country.

Around 1.7 million people of Algerian origin are estimated to live in France, according to national statistics agency INSEE.

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