Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Bahraini regime forces attack protesters in Manama, elsewhere


Saudi-Backed Bahraini forces attack anti-government protesters in the capital, Manama, and several villages as demonstrators try to march towards the site of the iconic Pearl Square.


Bahraini security forces fired teargas at the protesters on the eve of the first anniversary of the country’s revolution, arresting dozens of people.

The Bahraini forces also laid siege to several villages across the country, including Bilad al-Qadim near Manama, where heavy clashes erupted between the regime forces and the protesters.

On Monday, Bahraini forces attacked the anti-government protesters who marched from the outskirts of Manama towards the capital, blocking a main highway to the city as the protesters were moving towards the Pearl Square.

Bahraini authorities have warned about participating in opposition-organized demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the uprising and that security forces will not hesitate to attack the protesters.

Al-Wefaq, the main opposition bloc in Bahrain, has called for anti-regime protests across the country, saying that although Pearl Square has "become a symbol" for protest, it is not the only venue.

Pearl Square was razed last year as part of Manama's crackdown on the protests. It is now called Martyr's Square.

Bahrainis have been calling for an end to the rule of the Al Khalifa dynasty since February last year.

Scores of people have been killed and hundreds of others have been arrested in Manama's brutal crackdown on protesters.

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