Algeria protest: Thousands flood capital to demand 'new revolution'

Authorities in Algiers shut its metro and all trains to the capital in an effort to keep protesters away, but many arrived by coach

Tens of thousands of demonstrators have converged on the streets of Algiers as Algeria marked the 65th anniversary of its war of independence from France.

Protesters are demanding a "new revolution" and oppose the government's proposed election next month.

Demonstrations in the capital on Friday were some of the largest since protests began in February.

Long-serving President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned in April after weeks of street protests.

But his departure was not enough for the predominantly young protesters who have taken to the streets for 37 consecutive Fridays.

They are calling for sweeping government reforms, accusing leaders of widespread corruption and state repression.

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Protesters do not want an election next month - they argue it would not be transparent or fair under the current political system.

Some protesters wore face paint in the colours of the national flag

Protesters gathered outside Algiers' central post office as huge traffic jams built up around the city

Some people held masks showing the face of Lakhdar Bouregaa - a war veteran who was arrested last summer

Several people were arrested by police on the morning of the protests, AFP reported

"Algeria will take back its independence" and "the people want their independence", protesters chanted