Neutral:
* A crowd of rioters
* A throng of rioters
* A mob of rioters (though this term can have negative connotations)
Negative:
* A rabble of rioters (implies disorder and lack of control)
* A horde of rioters (emphasizes a large, menacing group)
* A swarm of rioters (suggests a chaotic and uncontrolled movement)
* A pack of rioters (implies a coordinated and aggressive group)
Positive:
* A group of protesters (if you want to emphasize the potential for legitimate grievance)
* A body of dissenters (if you want to focus on the ideological aspect)
Ultimately, the best collective noun depends on the specific situation and the message you want to convey.