Algerian opposition leaders said on Saturday that about 5,000 people attended the demonstration in Algerian capital Algiers, while a statement previously issued by the Ministry of Interior estimated the presence of 250 protesters, Xinhua reported.
Mustapha Bouchachi, one of the leaders of the non-recognized National Co-ordination for Change and Democracy (NCCD) which organized the protest, told Xinhua that about 5,000 demonstrators took part in the march.
Bouchachi added that the security forces have arrested some participants who came from other provinces outside Algiers in the checkpoints on the highways leading to the capital, and the overall number of arrested is estimated at 300.
Ministry of Interior said the police has dispersed the demonstrators and released all of the arrested 14 demonstrators.
Earlier reports said that the Algerian police has arrested the co-leader of the banned extremist Islamist Salvation Front (FIS), Ali Benhadj, after his participation in the march with his followers.
The government banned Benhadj from political activity when releasing him in 2003, after serving a 12 years sentence, being charged of propping up civil disobedience in 1991. In late 1991, FIS won the first round of parliamentary elections, which were then called off by the regime with the support of the military.
Protestors shouted anti-government slogans, calling to bring Algeria into real democracy. However, dozen youngsters have chanted pro-Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika slogans, saying that "Bouteflika is not Mubarak."
Vice Speaker of the Algerian National People's Assembly (lower house of parliament), Seddiki Chihab has slammed the protest in Algiers downtown, telling Xinhua "some parties and civil society organizations seek the change by showing off its strength, and I believe that change in Algeria is a legitimate claim, because all political parties want to fight corruption which affects the regime."
"Some political parties are trying to gain a popular legitimacy which they don't even have. It' s an attempt to steal legitimate claims shared by all Algerians," Chihab added. The senior lawmaker also warned against chaos, saying that Algerians could not go back to terror era and chaos that shaken the North African since 1992.
Meanwhile, the National Liberation Front (FLN),the Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP) and the National Rally for Democracy ( RND) have agreed not to take part in the demonstration.
The Ministry of Interior said it has not banned the opposition from freedom of expression except holding marches in the capital Algiers, justifying such a move by saying it prevents terror threats of Al-Qaida. The government has pledged to lift Algeria's 19-year state of emergency and allow more democratic freedoms.