Algerian police have broken up an anti-government demonstration by about 300 people in the centre of the capital, Algiers, calling for greater freedoms.
Several protesters were injured and a number are reported to have been arrested. Seven police officers were also hurt, according to state media.
The leader of the opposition Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) said those held included its parliamentary leader.
The protest followed rioting in several cities set off by rising food prices.
The government has noted the popular unrest in neighbouring Tunisia, which led to the ousting of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
... Mr Sadi [RCD CHAIRMAN] said the authorities had "plunged the capital into a situation similar to the Battle of Algiers" in 1957, when the French colonial authorities brutally put down a revolt led by the National Liberation Front (FLN).
"A government which seeks to oppress its people is not a government," he told the privately-owned newspaper InfoSoir.
"It has to choose between changing peacefully and taking the country towards chaos," he added. "And this is what we want to avoid."
Many Algerians are feeling inspired by what happened in Tunisia, and they believe now it is their turn to press for change, the BBC's Chloe Arnold in Algiers reports.
SIMILAR RECENT EVENTS IN JORDAN.
I BET SOON IN CAIRO.
AS LEBANON TEETERS INTO CIVIL WAR.
I BETCHYA THEY ARE ALL FUNDED BY IRAN.
STAY TUNED...
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