Bahrainis Stage Nationwide Rallies, General Strike to Mark Uprising Anniversary

Rasa - Seven years ago on this day, the Persian Gulf monarchy of Bahrain witnessed the birth of a popular uprising that has continued uninterrupted until now. Marking the seventh anniversary of the movement against the ruling Al Khalifah regime, thousands of Bahrainis have spilled out into the streets across several towns and villages amid a heavy police presence.

News ID: 436407

Date: 14 February 2018 - 22:04

RNA - Anti-regime protests have been underway since early Wednesday amid a general strike across the kingdom, with clashes reported in some areas, presstv reported.

Reports coming out of the tiny island nation suggest regime forces have attacked the demonstrations in Shia-populated villages such as Ma’ameer Abu Saiba, attempting to disperse the participants.

They have fired tear gas and shotguns at the people gathering in cemeteries to remember those killed at the hands of Bahraini forces during street protests in recent years.

Regime forces are said to have removed the concrete blocks set up by the demonstrators.

According to Fars News Agancy, since February 14, 2011, Bahraini people have been holding peaceful protest rallies on an almost daily basis, demanding that the Al Khalifah family relinquish power and let a just system representing all Bahrainis be established.

Bahrainis have also been complaining against widespread discrimination against the Shia majority in the kingdom.

Manama has responded to the protests with lethal force, drawing international criticism. In March 2011, troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were also deployed to assist Bahrain in its crackdown.

Bahraini authorities have also detained human rights campaigners, broken up major opposition political parties and revoked the nationality of several activists.

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