Clashes in Algiers on eighth Friday of protests

Clashes erupted in Algiers on Friday as protestors tossed back tear gas grenades and attacked police vehicles after a huge demonstration demanding the departure of figures close to ousted leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika, AFP journalists said.

For the eighth Friday in a row, vast crowds marched through the Algerian capital pressing demands for Bouteflika's entourage to step down.

While the massive demonstration was largely calm, tensions were noticeably higher than at previous rallies.

Violence erupted at the end of the day when on edge of the rally several hundred youths resisted as police tried to break up the crowds outside the post office in central Algiers that has become an emblematic protest site.

It was the first time such severe clashes had taken place in Algiers since the marches began in February demanding an end to Bouteflika's 20-year rule.

Helmeted anti-riot police, dressed in black, managed to push back the protesters with tear gas and water cannon.

Young demonstrators ...