Clashes erupt in Algerian capital

ALGIERS: Clashes erupted in Algiers as protestors tossed back tear gas grenades and attacked police vehicles after a huge demonstration demanding the departure of figures close to ousted leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika, AFP journalists said.

For the eighth Friday in a row, vast crowds marched through the Algerian capital pressing demands for Bouteflika’s entourage to step down.

While the massive demonstration was largely calm, tensions were noticeably higher than at previous rallies.

Violence erupted at the end of the day when on edge of the rally several hundred youths resisted as police moved to break up the crowds outside the post office in central Algiers that has become an emblematic protest site.

It was the first time such severe clashes have taken place in Algiers since the marches began in February demanding an end to Bouteflika’s 20-year rule.

Helmeted anti-riot police, dressed in black, managed to push back the protesters with tear gas and water cannon.

Young demonstrators responded by throwing stones and bottles, turning over large dumpsters to use as barricades.

At least one police car was set alight, while another was raided by protesters who climbed on it and smashed the windows.

Several protestors were slightly hurt, injured by stones or in the ensuing scuffles, or suffered the effects of tear gas.

The police said 83 of its personnel were wounded, including four seriously hurt.

It put the violence down to “delinquents” infiltrating the crowds, and said 108 people had been arrested.

Other protestors stepped in to calm the tensions, with some kneeling in the streets, raising their hands in peace.

As the crowd dispersed, protestors blamed ‘troublemakers’ for the violence, also criticising the toughening stance by police, who have reduced the area in which the demonstrations are allowed.

The crowds have rejected the holding of presidential elections on July 4, despite interim leader Abdelkader Bensalah pledging ‘ transparent’ polls. — AF ����������