World Bulletin/News Desk

Police clashed with demonstrators in Algiers after rioting broke out at the end of a protest against the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad in the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Several officers were injured during the violence, with small groups of protesters hurling rocks, fireworks and bottles at the security forces around the waterfront area of the Algerian capital.

Dozens of people were arrested, and two Muslim leaders, Ali Belhadj and Hamadache Zeraoui, were detained for illegally organising a march in Algiers where demonstrations are still banned, a security source said.

Hundreds of people, including women and children, had earlier marched peacefully through the capital chanting "God is Great", singing and waving placards saying "I am Mohammad" in French and Arabic to protest against Charlie Hebdo's cartoons.

"This is my religion. I am with my prophet and they criticised him," said Mohammed Rechache, a truck driver who took part in the Algiers march with his young son.

A trio of gunmen killed 17 people last week in France before they themselves were shot dead in three days of violence that began with an attack on the satirical magazine, long known for its cartoons on Islam and other religions, political leaders and celebrities.

Charlie Hebdo's first edition since the attack, published on Wednesday, featured another cartoon of the Prophet Mohammad on its front cover that critics saw as a new provocation.

"We're against those who criticise the Prophet Mohammad, but we are also against terrorism," said student Salem Benzamia, who was carrying a sign in English.

Two French-born brothers of Algerian origin shot dead staff of the magazine in last week's assault.