Demonstrators demanding the removal of local authorities and the release of detainees, set up flaming barricades and hurled projectiles during clashes with police on Monday in the Kabylie heartland of the Berber community east of the Algerian capital of Algiers.
According to residents and officials, the clashes in the town of Tizi Ouzou, followed an ultimatum set by Berber activists during a demonstration which took place on Thursday, AFP reported.
In the midst of the clashes, police used tear gas against the protestors to prevent them from reaching the prison, police and administrative headquarters. There were no reports of any casualties.
Meanwhile, APS news agency also reported protests in the nearby towns of Ouageuenoun, Beni Douala and Draa El Mizan, as well as in Bejaia and Petite Kabylie. Leaders of the Berber minority launched the protest to demand the release of demonstrators held during previous protests in the troubled northeastern region.
Berber leaders have called for a boycott of local elections set for October 10, having already skipped legislative elections in May when turnout for the vote was just three percent in Kabylie. (Albawaba.com)
