Algerian women were out in full force in a mass protest in the capital on Friday, as the movement against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's reelection campaign continues to grow in the North African country.
Tens of thousands of people rallied in Algiers against Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in next month's election, undeterred by a large police presence.
Women of all ages took to the streets for the protest, dubbed the "March of 20 Million", which coincided with International Women's Day. Many marched with Algerian flags and flowers in their hands.
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"It's women's day, but more than that, it's a day of dignity for Algerian women," said one female demonstrator, who attended the protest with her daughter and declined to give MEE her name.
"Our elders led the revolution [for Algeria's independence from France] and we're fighting for our children against the mafia in power."
Algerian security forces detained 195 people during the protest, Reuters reported, citing Algeria's state television, and more than 100 policemen were injured throughout the day.
Several MPs from Bouteflika's ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) party also resigned on Friday, according to the private Ashourouq TV station, and joined the protesters. Ashourouq did not identify the MPs, nor did it say how many had stepped down.
Citing an unidentified source, Reuters also said that several FLN MPs resigned, but did not specify how many.
source: Adlene Meddi contributed reporting from Algiers.