Demonstrators clash with police in Algeria after slum protest

October 22, 2009

Demonstrators and police clashed on Wednesday in, Algeria, after the residents of a slum district in the city took to the streets to demonstrate against housing and job shortages.

The protest, led by residents of the Diar Echams area of the Algerian capital, conflicted with security forces after starting a protest late on Wednesday. Police officials said at least eleven officers were injured in the violence, but they have not released a civilian casualty figure.

400 or so policemen, equipped with riot gear and an armoured vehicle, tried to break up the protests. Demonstrators hurled petrol bombs, stones, and other heavy objects at police.