Algerian youths angry over the lack of public transportation attacked government and private buildings in the eastern town of Merouana, officials said on Sunday.
A day of unrest started on Saturday when an estimated 200 students set up a roadblock outside Merouana, around 430 kilometers southeast of Algiers, to stress their demand for transport to Constantine, the large coastal city where they study.
The offices of the water Utilities Company were later burned and rioters sacked a veterans' association office, AFP said.
Protests and riots have erupted throughout Algeria in the past month. Primarily the work of youths, rioters have noted administrative grievances, especially the incompetence of local officials.
In addition, problems of day-to-day life have also motivated the protests, including grievances over power cuts and water shortages, housing allocation and delays in opening up new schools and roads. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
