After Friday's mobilization against the December 12 presidential election, a counter-demonstration took place Saturday in support of the upcoming vote. And to denounce foreign interference in the country's affairs.

This demonstration was organized at the call of the UGTA, the workers' union, traditionally close to those in power. In the streets, several hundred people, mostly men, in scattered ranks, far, very far from the massive family-based mobilization of Friday.

The banners conveyed essentially three messages: total support for the army, which today exercises power in fact, support for the December 12 elections and "NO to foreign interference", a message in response to a resolution voted Thursday by the European Parliament which condemned "arbitrary" arrests within the protest movement.

Unlike Friday's marches, today's march in Algiers benefited from oversight by police in uniform and plainclothes. Some demonstrators did not hide their hostility toward Friday's protesters. They received insults from bystanders in response.

Saturday's march was broadcast live on several media outlets close to those in power and by national television. Exceptional coverage given the number of demonstrators.

Three journalists working for an online media outlet considered favorable to Friday's movement were arrested before being released two hours later.