Injuries and arrests in a popular uprising in western Algeria

Skirmishes Sunday broke out in the province of Chelef (western Algeria ) between citizens and local authorities resulting in several injuries and property damage.

The events coincided with the appearance before the court of the main coordinator of the ready -built houses association, Mohammed Yaakoub charged with muckraking against local authorities whom he accused of hampering the recipients of these housing units and stripping them from the right to receive help and bank credit to build their houses.

Signs of anger and excitement were visible early in the morning when, scores of citizens gathered before the court to express their support for the M Yaakoub. The atmosphere was so heavy that small skirmishes between some citizens and elements of security services turned to a total chaos, in which tires were burnt and stones were thrown at the security elements.

The rioters, who were essentially teenagers, damaged several administrative buildings, including the bank and the customs HQ in addition to the burning to ashes a firemen’s van.

In the afternoon things returned to normalcy following several arrests among the teenagers and the use of tear gas to disperse the crowds in a direct confrontation between the armed forces and the frenzy population. During the riots, the inhabitants raised slogans expressing their demand for houses and the departure of the governor took responsible for the prevailing situation.