Protesters, police clash in Algerian capital

[jefferson_dem]

Protesters, police clash in Algerian capital
By the CNN Wire Staff



Algiers, Algeria (CNN) -- Security forces clashed with anti-government protesters chanting "change the power" in the Algerian capital of Algiers on Saturday.

About 100 protesters were detained, according to the Algerian League for Human Rights, one of the main opposition groups that organized the rallies.

The demonstrations were mostly peaceful, with police rounding up protesters in small groups to break up the crowds.

Anti-riot police were gathered at the scene.

Police are preventing protesters from assembling, said Khalil AbdulMouminm, the general secretary for the Algerian league.

"The situation is very tense on the ground...and the authorities have blocked all entrances to the capital," he said.

Police are preventing protesters from assembling, said Khalil AbdulMouminm, the general secretary for the Algerian league.

"The situation is very tense on the ground...and the authorities have blocked all entrances to the capital," he said.

<SNIP>

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/12/algeria.protest/index.html

More -

Algeria protesters break cordon

Pro-democracy demonstrators, inspired by the Egyptian revolution, ignore official ban and march in the capital Algiers.

http://english.aljazeera.net//news/africa/2011/02/201121235130627461.html

[hobbit709]

1. Dominos

[mmonk]

2. Finally, that theory in action.

[malaise]

4. Thousands now in the streets

according to AJE - they're speaking with a blogger now

http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

[malaise]

3. More from AJE

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/201121235130627461.html
<snip>
Algerian security forces and pro-democracy protesters are clashing, as demonstrations got underway in the capital Algiers on Saturday.

At least 2,000 protestors were able to overcome a security cordon enforced around the capital's May First Square, joining other demonstrators calling for reform.

Earlier, thousands of police in riot gear were in position to stop the demonstrations that could mimic the uprising which forced out Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Security forces have closed all entrances to the capital and already arrested hundreds of protesters, sources told Al Jazeera.

“I’m right in the middle of the march,” he told Al Jazeera. “People are being arrested and are heavily guarded by the police.”