Algerian police are preventing the attempts of the opposition to stage an anti-government march in the capital, Algiers, local media said on Saturday.
Thousands of police have been deployed on May 1st Square, downtown Algiers, to prevent violence.
A railway station in the center of the city has been shut down and identity checks are being conducted on the highways.
Some 400 protesters have so far gathered on the square, Al Watan has reported.
Police are using batons to disperse the crowd.
The protests in Algeria, demanding democratic reforms, fight against corruption and better life conditions, are held amid violent anti-government demonstrations across North Africa and the Middle East.
CAIRO, February 19 (RIA Novosti)