Rori Donaghy
Activists in Bahrain said thousands of pro-democracy protesters took to the streets on Friday, rejecting a proposal made by the Gulf State’s monarchy on reforming the legislative, security and judicial sectors. The rally was organised by the island’s opposition and came a day after Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa issued a statement detailing proposed reforms with the aim of accelerating “the resumption of dialogue” with opposition groups. A national dialogue process has been stalled since January due to sharp differences of opinion over Bahrain’s three yearlong uprising and a failure to agree on a format and agenda for the talks. Thursday’s statement issued by the island’s official news agency said the crown prince had “initiated a process of wide-ranging political and economic reform”. “The delivery of the framework today by the Crown Prince is a continuation of Bahrain’s ongoing political development and reform, advancing individual rights, justice and increasing long-term stability in the Kingdom,” it read. The proposal included provisions to redefine electoral districts, increase accountability for ministers, a commitment to reform the judicial system and new codes of conduct for security forces. It included a clause allowing parliament to approve the nomination of a prime minister, which until now has been solely the king’s right. Opposition leaders have criticised the crown prince for not consulting them on the initiative and said it does not go far enough to meet their demands – authorities have been previously accused of failing to follow through on promises of reform by activists and human rights groups. Protesters on Friday rejected this offer en masse with banners showing their steadfastness in holding out for full democratic reform of the governance system. - See more at: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/mass-opposition-rally-bahrain-rejects-royal-reforms-calls-full-democracy-2062414152#sthash.s0RclION.dpufThousands of protesters rallied in Bahrain on Friday rejecting a proposal of reform by the crown prince as not going far enough
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