Wary of Mubarak’s fate, the Algerian government is cracking down on protesters, sending out thousands of police and blocking Facebook and Twitter. Nevertheless, 10,000 Algerians reportedly took to the streets Saturday demanding reform. Organizers say 26,000 riot police greeted 10,000 protesters and detained 400 of them. Officials say the protester turnout was more like 1,500. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika promised to lift the state’s emergency laws in the “very near future,” but said the ban on demonstrating would remain in place.
