Algeria to Try 18 People Who Took Part in an Anti-Govt Protest

Around 400 to 500 people took to the streets of the capital to call for democratic change, but were broken up by police, who made a number of arrests. Half of the defendants have already been taken to prison after appearing before the magistrate, according to lawyer Mustapha Bouchachi. The protest took place to mark the anniversary of the 1988 Black October riots, when 500 people were killed and 1,000 injured during a week-long anti-government protest. Eight of the accused in jail are charged with planning the protest as well as incitement to disturbing the peace, while the ninth allegedly attacked the country's president. Although protests stopped due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, many believe demonstrations will resume, as a referendum on constitutional reform is set to be voted on 1 November with aims to boost democracy and give parliament a greater role after months-long protests demanding reforms.