- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Hundreds of Protesters in Manama Call for Political Reforms in Bahrain

© REUTERS / Stringer Protesters take cover from tear gas fired by riot police during early morning clashes, on the fourth anniversary of an uprising to demand democratic reforms in the U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state, in the village of Sanabis, west of Manama
Protesters take cover from tear gas fired by riot police during early morning clashes, on the fourth anniversary of an uprising to demand democratic reforms in the U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state, in the village of Sanabis, west of Manama - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Protesters mostly from Shia Muslim majority demanded a "real" constitutional monarchy with a prime minister independent from the Sunni royal family. Bahraini police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the rally.

Sheikh Ali Salman - Sputnik International
UN Asks Bahrain for 'Clarification' on Charges Against Opposition Leader
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the Bahraini capital, Manama, on Saturday calling for political reforms and release of the main opposition leader, Al Jazeera reported.

The rally marked the fourth anniversary of the start of anti-government protests on February 14, 2011, the media said.

Protesters mostly from Shia Muslim majority of the country demanded a "real" constitutional monarchy with a prime minister independent from the Sunni royal family, according to the broadcaster.

The demonstrators also called for the release of Sheikh Ali Salman, the leader of the largest Shiite opposition party Al-Wefaq, who was arrested in last December on charges of inciting a violent regime change through illegal practices.

Bahraini police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the rally.

Bahraini protestors - Sputnik International
Bahraini Opposition Leader May Face Up to 19 Years in Prison, Lawyer Says
The public security chief, Maj. Gen. Tariq Hassan, warned that people should "stay away from disruptive activities that might affect security or public order," as quoted by Al Jazeera. He stressed that calls to participate in the demonstration will be considered as crime.

Since 2011, Bahrain has been mired in Shia Muslim uprisings against its Sunni leaders. Shia Muslims, who form a majority in Bahrain, initiated the protests to achieve greater political freedom and equality as they claimed the regime under the Sunni Al Khalifa royal family infringes upon their rights. The protests resulted in brutal crackdowns on the opposition.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала