Bouteflika’s grip on power has not wavered managing to curb the enthusiasm of the Arab Spring with heavy-handed tactics. Algeria has notoriously cracked down on freedom of speech to the extent of imprisoning a labor activist in March for a Facebook post. As the disruptions start to take place nationally, Algerians are still managing to tweet rapidly.

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.