Police fire tear gas to disperse protesters in Bahrain
Manama, Bahrain (AHN) – Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in numerous Bahrain villages on Monday injuring 14 people.
The demonstrations, which were inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia that toppled the two country’s respective leaders, were staged in the villages of Diraz, Bani Jamrah and Nuweidrat.
Activists calling themselves “the Revolution of 14th February in Bahrain” organized the rally using the social networking site Facebook.
The demonstrators demanded more political freedom and jobs. They vowed to continue the protests until the government grants their demand, according to Nabeel Rajab, head of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights.
Prior to the demonstration, the center had called for the release of political detainees and open dialogues with opposition groups.
Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Khalifa said protests in the country are allowed by law.
Shiite protesters and police also clashed before parliamentary elections in October.
Shiites constitute up to 70 percent of Bahrain’s population but face job and housing discrimination from the mostly Sunni-controlled government. Bahrain’s ruling royal family are also Sunnis.
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