Algeria has recalled its ambassador in France, in response to the airing of two documentaries on the anti-regime protest movement known as 'Hirak'.

The Algerian foreign affairs ministry said the decision by French television to do so was an "insult" to his country's institutions.

Strong reactions to the showing of Algérie mon amour, directed by French journalist of Algerian origin Mustapha Kessous, quickly appeared on social media, illustrating the stark divisions in society over the protest movement and the discussion of cultural taboos.

"The screening of programmes such as these on French television, under the banner of freedom of expression, are in fact attacks against the Algerian people, its institutions, including the national army (ANP)," the Algerian foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

He was referring to statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron early on in the Hirak protest movement, calling for "a transition of reasonable duration" - remarks seen by Algiers as "interference" in its internal affairs.