Investigation set to identify masked men behind clashes in Algeria town, says Interior Minister

Algerian Interior Minister Nourredine Yazid Zerhouni said his services will open an administrative investigation in the recent events in the southern town of Berriane.According to the minister, the investigations will identify the masked people who fuelled the conflict once again and triggered riots in Berriane.

“The situation required urgent security measures before opening investigations on the background of the events,” he said.

Clashes have recently taken place between residents of Berriane where a man was killed and many people were injured.

According to the Interior Minister, total calm has been restored due to preliminary security measures.

He added that available information show that the clashes started by masked people who have not been identified yet.

“The investigation is still going on.”

A parallel investigation is expected to be opened to found out who is behind those events.

Zerhouni totally refused to link some riots in some Algerian provinces to bed living conditions. “Riots are not something new for Algeria and they take place in many countries especially the developing ones.”

The minister seized the opportunity to deny reports which say that there are 12 million Algerians living below under poverty line.

He believes that living conditions in Algeria are improved and gives the example of recent pay raise for state employees.