In a country that has been shaken by an unprecedented anti-government protest movement, Algeria’s president on Tuesday banned rallies and marches in response to fears of the novel Coronavirus.
“The spreading Algeria’s president on Tuesday banned rallies and marches in response to fears of the novel Coronavirus, epidemic is a national security and health issue, which temporarily restricts certain freedoms,” Abdelmadjid Tebboune said in a televised speech announcing a ban on all rallies “regardless of their form or nature”.
The North African country has recorded 60 cases of the COVID-19 illness including five dead, according to official figures.
Algeria has been rocked by more than a year of protests since ageing president Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced a bid for a fifth term in February last year.
He left office under pressure from the street and the army in April but protesters have continued to hold mass rallies demanding sweeping reforms.
