A group of youths protesting against a candidate in Algerian elections and police fought in Bouira late last night as pressure grew between the ruling elite and its opponents ahead of December 12th elections.
Hundreds of protesters in Bouira, 100 km east of Algiers, barred candidate Ali Benflis from attending a rally.
Protesters surrounded the meeting room and chanted "No elections with the gang," referring to the ruling leaders, before clashes with the riot police.
Residents said a number of protesters were wounded. A resident of Bouira said authorities had arrested a number of protesters, but there was no official confirmation from the Justice Ministry.
Protesters oppose elections to succeed Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who say they cannot be fair as long as his allies retain power and the military plays a role in political life.
Since the start of the official election campaign earlier this month, the number of protests has increased and authorities have arrested more demonstrators.