Marrakeh- Hundreds of Algerian police officers staged a protest, on Monday October 13, 2014, in the city of Ghardaia (600 km south of Algiers) to show solidarity with their colleagues in the adjacent village of Bryan, according to several media sources, including Algerian Agency Press (AAP).
The protest poses a serious problem for Algerian National Security. AAP stated that the police marched towards the Security Directorate of the state of Ghardaia, in solidarity with their colleagues in Bryan, who had previously withdrawn from public spaces, and refused to follow the orders of their commanding officers.
A number of police officers were injured on Sunday when clashes erupted between security forces and protesters in Bryan, which is located just 45 kilometers north of the town of Ghardaia.
Masked people deliberately pelted the security forces with stones. The situation deteriorated with more clashes wounding dozens on both sides.
Frequent clashes, driven by sectarian motives, have occurred in Ghardaia between Mizabeyen (Amazigh Aabadion) and Arabs Alhaambh (Malikion) since the beginning of the year, leaving at least 15 dead and dozens wounded.
Edited by Elisabeth Myers