Algerians marked Independence Day on Friday by pouring out into the streets of Algiers in the tens and thousands to demand new democratic leadership.
Amid extra-high security and resurgent anger at authorities, crowds wearing Algerian flags on their shoulders, heads and waists flocked to the streets on the country's national holiday to mark the 1962 independence.
Several banners held up by protesters, who have rallied for the 20th Friday in a row, referred to an article of the constitution which says the people are the sovereign, while some others read: “We want a free and democratic state” and “We don’t want a military state but a civilian state”.
The peaceful revolt that began in February helped drive out longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April. Demonstrations were held in at least a dozen other cities on Friday.
Protesters were also venting their indignation at the arrests last week of several activists brandishing Amazigh emblems and of Lakhdar Bouregaa, a veteran of Algeria's independence war.
Authorities accused the activists of threatening Algeria's unity by celebrating Amazigh identity. They also say the 82-year-old veteran is damaging the army's morale by criticizing the powerful military chief.
"What shame a man who liberated the country spends the 57th year anniversary of independence in prison" read one banner. Calls to free Bouregaa rang out at protest marches in other cities where citizens marched.
In Algiers, the capital, authorities deployed an unusually large number of police, who confiscated Amazigh flags from protesters entering the city. Police surrounded the plaza at the central post office that has been a nucleus of the revolt.
Protesters hope Friday's demonstration breathes new life into the movement, which is divided over how to achieve lasting change.
The protest comes two days after interim President Abdelkader Bensalah called for a national dialogue, in which he promised the state and army would remain neutral.
Bensalah's mandate is due to expire on Tuesday and he warned on Wednesday against the risk of the country falling into a constitutional vacuum.
"Wherever you are, we are - we will not stop!" the protesters shouted, referring to the government.
They chanted slogans against any elections organized by a "mafia gang".
Powerful army chief, Ahmed Gaed Salah, is another target of protesters. After helping to push Bouteflika from office, he has made numerous calls for quick presidential elections and backed a major anti-corruption sweep that has put generals and industrialists in jail.
However, many fear his high-profile role since the start of the revolt augurs the return to center-stage of a military-style regime, like the one that led Algeria through much of its independence.
Friday's protest comes a day before a conference planned by opposition parties and representatives of the civilian sector to come up with a plan for a transition period.
