ALGIERS, April 29, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Thirteen people were wounded Sunday
when shots were fired during a demonstration in eastern Algeria to demand
better access to drinking water, a security source said.
The incident happened when an employee opened fire on dozens of protesters
in front of the Youkous mineral water factory in the town of Hammamet, the
source said.
The official APS news agency said 13 wounded people were taken to hospital
in Hammamet before police intervened to take control of the situation.
Tensions have been high in the town since authorities granted the company
the right to exploit and bottle the area’s spring water.
The demonstrators set fire to tyres and a water sales truck in front of
the plant, according to the security services.
State television broadcast images of part of the factory in flames,
without providing further details.
The demonstrators had previously gone to the town hall to demand better
drinking water and to seek the reversal of a decision to allow spring waters
to be exploited.
Mass protests have rocked Algeria since February 22, pushing long-time
ruler Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down earlier this month.
Protesters have since kept up their rallies, calling for a complete
overhaul of the country’s political system.