Algeria rocked by clashes as activists take on riot police
by Lesley Yarranton, Sunday Mirror 13/02/2011
More than 400 protesters were arrested as riot police fired plastic bullets at pro-democracy activists in Algeria yesterday.
Scuffles broke out in Algiers as demonstrators chanted: “Bouteflika out!” – referring to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Tear gas was also used and there were reports of journalists being targeted by state-sponsoredthugs.
Later it emerged that internet providers and Facebook accounts were shut down to stop groups from organising online.
Human rights activists said 28,000 police were out in force to quell the 10,000-strong crowd.
But state officials put the turnout at just 1,500.
“The police station cells are overflowing,” said Sofiane Hamidouche, a demonstrator in Annaba. Article Source
thugs.