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New Riots Break Out in Algeria

   VOA News 07 January 2011
   Youths  clash  with  police  officers  in  the El Harrache district of
   Algiers after prices were increased on basic food staples, Jan 6, 2011

Photo: AP

   Youths  clash  with  police  officers  in  the El Harrache district of
   Algiers after prices were increased on basic food staples, Jan 6, 2011

   Algeria  deployed  police to mosques and other areas in the capital on
   Friday,  as  new  riots  broke  out  over  rising food prices and high
   unemployment.
   Witnesses  say protesters took to the streets in Algiers late Thursday
   and  Friday,  tossing  stones  at police, who responded by firing tear
   gas.
   Government  officials  also  canceled  football  (soccer)  games  this
   weekend.
   The unrest began this week after the sudden price hike of food staples
   such as flour, sugar and oil. Â
   Protesters   are  also  blaming  government  policies  for  continuing
   unemployment  and economic problems, despite the country's oil and gas
   wealth.
   In neighboring Tunisia, violent protests over unemployment have led to
   three deaths in recent weeks.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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