Bahraini regime forces attack houses of opposition leaders

Bahraini forces have stormed the houses of two opposition leaders, Shula and Bazzaz, as the Saudi-backed Al Khalifa regime continues its heavy-handed handling of critics. Scores of people have been killed and hundreds more injured in the regime crackdown on a popular revolt that started in February 2011. Many others, including opposition leaders and human rights activists, have been also given long jail terms as part of the crackdown. A report published by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry in November said regime forces "resorted to the use of unnecessary and excessive force, terror-inspiring behavior and unnecessary damage to property," during popular protests in the country.