AP, Algiers :
Soldiers ended a demonstration by Algerian police on Thursday that was held for three days near the presidential palace to protest violence against security forces in the south.
About 50 soldiers ordered the police to end the demonstration and put them on buses that left the scene.
The unprecedented protest movement by police in Algeria also questioned the whereabouts of 77-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his fitness to run his large, gas-rich country. In addition, the police demanded better pay and more political support.
About 200 police had camped out near the president’s headquarters, and on Wednesday they tried to force their way into the president’s office.
The prime minister met with police representatives Wednesday night and pledged to consider their demands. But some police officers said the promises don’t go far enough, and refused to return to work.
The protesters were showing support for colleagues in the riot-torn southern oasis city Ghardaia, where security forces have reportedly been attacked.
About a dozen people have been killed and many shops burned in riots since December, as Berber and Arab communities compete for scarce jobs and housing there. Thousands of police have been sent there to quell the violence.
