<p><br /> Thousands of riot police in riot gear have stopped government opponents from staging a protest march in the capital of Algeria.<br /> </p><p><br /> Small groups of demonstrators angry at President Abdelaziz Bouteflika gathered in May 1 Square in the centre of Algiers shouting "Bouteflika out!". They waved newspaper front pages reporting Friday's overthrow of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak.<br /> </p><p><br /> But riot police hemmed them in, stopping them from carrying out a plan to march through the city. Other protesters trying to reach the square found their way blocked and at least one of the protest organisers was arrested.<br /> </p><p><br /> After about three hours, hundreds of people left the square quietly, with police opening up gaps in their cordon to let them through. Some 200 young men from a poor neighbourhood nearby stayed on the square. Some threw objects at police.<br /> </p><p><br /> Mubarak's resignation and last month's overthrow of Tunisia's leader have electrified the Arab world and led many to ask which state could be next in a region where an explosive mix of authoritarian rule and popular anger is the norm.<br /> </p><p><br /> Many analysts say a revolt in Algeria is unlikely because the government can use its energy wealth to resolve most grievances.<br /> </p><p><br /> Officials had banned Saturday's protest, citing public order concerns. A massive police operation, which started on Friday afternoon, appeared to have stifled it.<br /> </p><p><br /> "I am sorry to say the government has deployed a huge force to prevent a peaceful march. This is not good for Algeria's image," said Mustafa Bouchachi, a leader of the League for Human Rights which helped organise the protest.<br /> </p>
