MANAMA, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Several thousand Bahrainis marched on Wednesday to denounce past human rights abuses in the pro-Western Gulf Arab state in an angry protest that led to scuffles between some demonstrators and security forces.
The National Committee for Martyrs and Victims of Torture in Bahrain organised the rally in the capital Manama a day after the country celebrated its National Day.
Angry protesters, mainly from the Shi’ite Muslim majority, chanted slogans against some of the country’s Sunni Muslim rulers. They demanded the prosecution of officials they say are responsible for human rights abuses since the early 1970s.
The protesters carried placards bearing the pictures of some of around 40 people they say were killed either under torture or in clashes with security forces in the mid-1990s.
Bahrain saw Shi’ite-led unrest in the 1990s and some sectarian tensions still remain despite reforms by King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa including the release of political prisoners.
Wednesday’s rally turned ugly towards the end as some young protesters clashed with men they suspected of being members of the security forces who were photographing the march.
They also broke some billboards and chairs outside a cafe and at least one protester scuffled with a uniformed policeman.
Anti-riot police arrived a few minutes later but organisers persuaded them to keep their distance. It was not clear if anyone was arrested.
Bahrain is an important U.S. ally and home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
Source: Reuters Aleternet
click “full article” for some pictures of the demonstration
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Scuffles break out at rights protest in Bahrain
I think those extremist are doing nothing but slidding Bahrain into turmoil and violence again. H.M. The King has introduced reforms in a region that is plagued by instability and lack of security. Although the gov’t knows there hidden agenda and attachment to the holy state of Iran, they are ignoring it and trying to develop there economic strategy to include everyone. I think Bahrain is strong by it’s loyal citzens that are aiming for prosperity and security. Just ignore there so called “martyrs” and protesters and focus on our future. God bless BAHRAIN and it’s courageous KING!!!!!