Hundreds gather in Algiers for rare pro-Palestinian rally

Hundreds of Algerians join a rare demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians, authorized by the North African country’s authorities, an AFP correspondent says.

At least 800 people gathered in front of the Algiers headquarters of the Islamist party Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), which had called the demonstration.

They massed in the capital’s Mouradia neighborhood not far from the presidential palace just after the Friday afternoon prayers, the correspondent says.

“Rage, rage, we’re heading to the embassy,” some protesters shout, determined to make their way to the diplomatic mission of key Israel backer the United States, but held at bay by the police.

Though Algiers has been historically known for its stance in support of the Palestinians, demonstrations are seldom authorized.

“This vigil has been organized to break the oppression and silence,” says MSP leader Abdelali Hassani Cherif, calling on the authorities to “allow the people to express their position.”

He later calls on the crowd to disperse silently, saying, “We don’t want Algerians to clash, we want them to unite for the good of Palestine.”