Algeria opposition to hold protest

Thousands of police in riot gear were in position in the centre of the Algerian capital to stop a planned pro-democracy demonstration that could mimic the uprising which forced out Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, aljazeera.net reports.

Officials have banned Saturday's opposition march in Algiers, setting the stage for possible clashes between police and demonstrators.

Protesters are demanding greater democratic freedoms, a change of government, and more jobs. The demonstration was set to begin at 11:00 am (1000 GMT).

"We are ready for the march," said Mohsen Belabes, a spokesman for the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) opposition party, which is one of the organizers of the protest. "It's going to be a great day for democracy in Algeria."

Mubarak's resignation on Friday, and last month's overthrow of Tunisian leader, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, have electrified the Arab world.

Many are left wondering which country could be next in a region where a flammable mix of authoritarian rule and popular anger are the norm.

Said Sadi, head of the RCD, said earlier that he expected around 10,000 police officers were coming in to reinforce the 20,000 that blocked the last demonstration staged on January 22, when five people were killed and more than 800 hurt.