Algerian authorities arrested Thursday dozens of activists from an opposition youth association in the east of the country, while state television launched a massive campaign to persuade Algerians to elect a president without any further delay. The campaign accused protesters rejecting quick elections of lacking patriotism. Police officers arrested three protesters for their attempt to enter a public hall to hold their summer meeting. The authorities had rejected to grant them a license for their protest without giving any reason, despite the law permitting meetings in public spaces. Rally for Culture and Democracy President Mohcine Belabbas denounced the repressive practices against activists who were willing to hold a meeting to discuss the country’s crisis which erupted after the resignation of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April. Army chief Gaid Salah emerged as the key powerbroker after Bouteflika resigned in the face of mass protests after 20 years in power. In a related matter, the trial of 20 activists started Thursday. They were arrested two months ago during a campaign of arrests that targeted those who had brandished the Berber minority flag during an anti-government protest in Algiers. The Public prosecution has accused them of threatening national unity. Salah ordered their arrest and expressed his rejection to hoisting any flag other than the national flag. He accused them of affiliation to suspicious parties that plot to destabilize the country, and of instigating the opposition to call for a transitional phase before holding any election. Minister of Communication and Government Spokesman Hassan Rabhi told journalists on Thursday that “those rejecting the electoral path,” are not willing to work for the country’s interest. Rabhi slammed promoters of the transitional phase, calling for a transparent dialogue. Many in the vast protest movement seek a transition period toward democracy rather than a quick election, and worry over Salahs growing role as behind-the-scenes powerbroker.