- Title: ALGERIA: Algerian students protest following wave of unrest in region.
- Date: 22nd February 2011
- Summary: ALGIERS, ALGERIA (FEBRUARY 21, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF SOME 500 HUNDRED STUDENT PROTESTERS IN ALGIERS OUTSIDE EDUCATION MINISTRY POLICE CLASHING WITH DEMONSTRATORS MORE OF DEMONSTRATORS OUTSIDE POLICE DISPERSING CROWDS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) STUDENT, KARIM, 25-YEARS-OLD, SAYING: "Most of the students protesting here are from higher education schools and are demanding a review of the dual diploma system for state engineers and masters degrees, among other demands which are yet to be answered. " MORE OF PROTESTERS CLASHING WITH POLICE MORE OF DEMONSTRATORS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) STUDENT, HALIM, 23-YEARS-OLD, SAYING: "What we are asking for is recognition for the engineering diploma because the engineer represents the framework for the future of the Algerian state. And if this recognition is not recognised and valued, then what will be left for the future of the country?" MORE OF DEMONSTRATOR AND POLICE
- Embargoed: 9th March 2011 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Algeria, Algeria
- Country: Algeria
- Topics: Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA5IRJEUITLCAH4J5Q1R7TQ2TWX
- Story Text: Some 500 Algerian students protest in the capital Algiers, inspired by uprisings in other parts of the Arab world that have toppled regimes in Tunisia and Egypt.
Around 500 students scuffled with police in Algiers on Monday (February 21) as they gathered outside the education ministry.
The protesters, who were inspired by a wave of uprising across the Middle East and North Africa, were demanding and end to corruption and a review of the education system and engineering salaries.
"Most of the students protesting here are from higher education schools and are demanding a review of the dual diploma system for state engineers and masters degrees, among other demands which are yet to be answered," said Karim, a 25 year-old student.
Scuffles broke out as police faced off with the student protesters, leading to several injuries, according to witnesses.
"What we are asking for is recognition for the engineering diploma because the engineer represents the framework for the future of the Algerian state. And if this recognition is not recognised and valued, then what will be left for the future of the country?" asked Halim, a 23 year-old student, who joined student from across the country for the protest.
Unrest in Algeria could have implications for the world economy since it is a major oil and gas exporter, but analysts say an Egypt-style revolt is unlikely because the government can use its energy wealth to placate most grievances.
The protest in Algiers came as hundreds of people were reported killed in the Libyan capital Tripoli as the government continued a bloody crackdown on protesters there. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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