Algerian youth protest high prices

Protesters in the capital throw rocks at police, set trash bins and tyres on fire, and chant anti-government slogans. Last Modified: 06 Jan 2011 08:00 GMT

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been in power since 1999 and does not face term limits [Reuters] Algerian youth throughout the country have protested against living conditions and the rising prices of basic commodities. Sources in Algeria told Al Jazeera that protest rallies were staged in several neighbourhoods in the capital Algiers on Wednesday night, while the crackle of gunfire was also heard. Protesters threw rocks and other debris at police, and lit garbage bins and tyres on fire. Riot police responded with tear gas. Protests were reported at the Martyrs' Square, Balkor, Bash Jarrah, Babal Wadi and Astawali, while both Jalfa in southern Algeria and Wahran in the west, also witnessed violent rallies in protest over the deteriorating living conditions and rising prices. An Al Jazeera correspondent reported that protesters also stoned the Wahran municipality headquarters and other government buildings. Demonstrators posted videos on the internet of large fires burning in the street, police firing tear gas, and protesters throwing rocks. Anti-government sentiments YouTube user hchicha posted this video of men throwing rocks at police. The protesters chanted slogans criticising the high cost of living and blaming the problem on president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the Reuters news agency reported. Bouteflika has been in power for 11 years and was elected to his third term in 2009 with 90 per cent of the vote after parliament abolished presidential term limits. The government recently announced rises in prices for basic staples such as oil and sugar. The country is also running low on flour, prompting fears of a bread shortage. Protesters are also angry at the lack of water, power outages, and poor distribution of social housing. Bouteflika has overseen a relatively calm period in Algeria, despite the lack of a democratic opposition, and has tried to institute a reconciliation plan to end hostilities with Islamist fighters.

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies