ALGERIA’S interim President Abdelkader Bensalah has sacked the country’s newly appointed justice minister Slimane Brahimi just months after his appointment, it was announced today.

He has been replaced by attorney-general of the Algiers district council Zeghmati Belkacem — known for his loyalty to regime of ousted former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

The move comes as Algerians seek to find a way out of the political deadlock that has gripped the country since Mr Bouteflika was forced to resign in April, following mass protests.

Corruption charges have been brought against a range of business leaders and politicians close to the former regime, including government officials and former prime ministers.

Algeria’s opposition is continuing to demand the old guard stand down as a precondition for new elections, with large demonstrations continuing every Tuesday and Friday.

But army chief General Ahmed Gaid Salah demanded elections as soon as possible, warning against “preconditions which amount to diktats.”

Protesters insist that dialogue can only begin after certain measures are taken, including the release of political prisoners, a reduction in police numbers on demonstrations and blockades lifted in the capital Algiers.