ALGERIANS took to the streets today in protest at next week’s presidential election as the trials began of two former prime ministers on corruption charges.

Thousands poured onto the streets of capital Algiers once again as political deadlock remains amid growing tensions between the movement known as the Hirak and the country’s powerful armed forces.

Demonstrations have continued despite the ousting of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April bringing an end to 20 years in power. They are demanding the sweeping away of all those associated with his corrupt regime.

Yesterday saw the opening of the trial of former prime ministers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal. They face charges of “misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office and granting undue privileges.”

It comes after the jailing of dozens of senior figures who have been handed lengthy sentences for corruption.

Algerians warn that elections planned for December 12 will not be transparent and democratic as they are run by those associated with Mr Bouteflika.

On Tuesday Interior Minister Salah Eddine Dahmoune attacked people opposing the election as “traitors, mercenaries and homosexuals.”