Algiers police fire on slum protest

People living in a slum district of the Algerian capital have taken to the streets for a second day to protest against job and housing shortages. Residents of the Diar Echams area, frustrated over high unemployment and inadequate housing, clashed with police on Wednesday having started their protest on Monday night. The police said at least 11 officers were hurt, although no figure of civilian casualties was given. Protesters had used high ground above the suburb to throw bricks, stones and petrol bombs at police in riot gear as they attempted to enter the area late on Tuesday, sources aid. Some residents of the shantytown are demanding that the city authorities include them on a list of those eligible for re-housing.