Bahrain protesters demand release of women prisoners

Bahraini people have staged protest rallies across the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom in a show of solidarity with female political prisoners.

On Monday night, Bahraini protesters took to the streets in more than 21 districts across the country, and condemned the Al Khalifa regime’s crackdown on peaceful protests. Shouting slogans in support of political prisoners, they demanded an immediate and unconditional release of women protesters held in jail, including senior human rights activist Zainab al-Khawaja. They also condemned Bahrain's Supreme Council for Women for its silence for the continued detention of female activists and the violation of their rights. The demonstrators blocked main streets by burning tires and called for unity among the Bahraini nation. Our might lies in our solidarity, they chanted. Bahraini security forces rushed to disperse the protests by firing teargas, rubber bullets and birdshot pellets at the demonstrators. The Saudi-backed regime forces also attacked civilian houses. A large number of demonstrators were injured in the attacks. Opposition activists published photos of the protesters who were injured on social networking websites. Anti-regime protests in Bahrain continue despite the heavy-handed crackdown by the Western-backed monarchy. Scores of people have been killed and many others injured or arrested in the suppression of popular protests since they erupted in February 2011 in demand of the Al Khalifa regime's downfall. The anti-regime demonstrators hold King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa responsible for the deaths of the protesters during the popular uprising.