Violent clashes and arrests in Algiers after Friday’s Prayer

Clashes between hundreds of people and anti-riots police took place once again Friday in the area of Belcourt in the capital Algiers.

• Rioters protested against the explosion in food prices. Security forces used hot water and teargas to disperse protestors. Barricades and tires were put and stones were thrown. A helicopter flied to keep watch on the area.

  These clashes came after imams had preached calm and dialogue in Friday’s Prayer. As soon as prayers had gone out from mosques, clashes took place between hundreds of people and anti-riots police. The avenue of Faiçal Mubarek was the battlefield of the strongest clash ever since the protests started, two days ago.

  No injury was noted among the protester and the police expect some asphyxia cases. Some policemen and residents took those people to a building where a family gave them first-aid treatment.

  Protests expanded to the Street of Mohamed Belouizdad until the most popular market in the area called Laakiba. Anti-riots police used teargas and hot water to disperse people but in vain.
  

  Protestors asked for more development and social justice between the society’s categories and eliminating corruption.

  Witnesses said clashed lasted until the night while sources say the new clashes came after policemen in civilian clothes inspected a number of streets. Some men were arrested for inciting people to protest and destroying some shops.

  Clashes are still going on between Belcourt’s residents and anti-riot police.