Algeria: Heart attack surprises Ayat Ahmed, stops his presidential campaign

Hussein Ayat Ahmed (72), one of the seven nominees for the Algerian presidency and chief of the Socialist Forces Front party, had to stop his election activity for a few days after having a heart attack, knowing that the first election round is to be held on April 15.

Gamal Zanati, manager of Ayat Ahmed's election campaign, said his nominee's health condition is not critical.

According to his health condition, Ayet Ahmed had to cancel visits that were decided yesterday to Blida, Medea, and Tezi cities, south of the Algerian capital.

Meanwhile, Algerian newspapers issued yesterday said an officer was badly injured due to gunfire on the day before yesterday while he was guarding Medkad Safi, one nominee for the presidential elections.

On the other side, the newspapers also referred to new violence in southern and eastern Algeria.

El-Khabar newspaper said that 11 persons, among whom are 10 Armed Islamic Group members, were killed on Friday and Saturday.