Algerians protest against Bouteflika's bid for fifth term Published duration 22 February 2019

image copyright AFP image caption Protestors chanted "No fifth mandate" during Friday's demonstrations

Security forces in riot gear fired tear gas to block a march on to the presidential palace in the capital, Algiers. But protests in the rest of country passed off peacefully.

The Algerian premier has held office since 1999, but has rarely been seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013.

The authorities announced on Thursday that the president, who turns 82 next week, will travel to Switzerland on Sunday for medical checks.

image copyright Getty Images image caption Security forces cordoned off Algiers' May 1 Square during the protest, witnesses told local media.

image copyright AFP image caption Abdelaziz Bouteflika came to power in 1999 despite allegations of election fraud

image copyright Getty Images image caption Octogenarian Bouteflika is expected to win another election in April despite concerns for his health.

image copyright AFP image caption Algerian demonstrators defaced a parking sign of a man on a wheelchair (representing President Bouteflika, who uses a wheelchair).

image copyright Getty Images image caption Protests were held several other cities including Oran, Tizi Ouzou, Bejaia, Annaba and Setif, according to news website TSA.

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