Algerians continue to protest against Bouteflika regime

ALGIERS

Thousands of university students on Tuesday took to the streets of capital Algiers -- and other cities -- to demand the departure of government officials affiliated with the regime of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Around 5,000 university students marched from the campus of the University of Algiers to Al-Barid Square at the heart of the capital.

Protesters, academicians and other citizens marched to the square amid large deployments of security forces.

Demonstrators chanted slogans against Bouteflika-era officials, including interim President Abdelkader Bensalah and Prime Minster Noureddine Badwi.

Videos posted on social-media platforms showed student marches in the Bouira, Bejaia, Setif, Tizi Ouzou and Konstantin provinces.

No clashes, however, have yet been reported between security forces and the protesters.

Last month, Bouteflika stepped down after weeks of popular protests against his 20-year rule.

The army is currently overseeing a 90-day transitional period and has promised to hold presidential elections on July 4.