THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Internet providers were shut down and Facebook accounts deleted across Algeria on Saturday as thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators were arrested in violent street demonstrations.Plastic bullets and tear gas were used to try and disperse large crowds in major cities and towns, with 30,000 riot police taking to the streets in Algiers alone.
There were also reports of journalists being targeted by state-sponsored thugs to stop reports of the disturbances being broadcast to the outside world.
But it was the government attack on the internet which was of particular significance to those calling for an end to President Abdelaziz Boutifleka's repressive regime.
Protesters mobilising through the internet were largely credited with bringing about revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia.
"The government doesn't want us forming crowds through the internet," said Rachid Salem, of Co-ordination for Democratic Change in Algeria. >>> Nabila Ramdani | Saturday, February 12, 2011
AFP: Protesters in Montreal call for change in Algeria: MONTREAL — Some 200 people demonstrated Saturday in the streets of Montreal, joining calls for the resignation of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the heels of revolts in Tunisia and Egypt. >>> AFP | Saturday, February 12, 2011
SKY NEWS: Wildfire Of Hope Spreads Across Middle East: It began when a young street vendor set himself alight in an obscure Tunisian village in an act of despair which ironically is spreading hope in a wildfire crescent from Algeria to Syria. >>> Sam Kiley, security editor | Saturday, February 12, 2011
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