THOUSANDS HAVE ATTENDED the funerals of victims of the protests that have been taking place in Bahrain this week.
Four people died and hundreds more were injured when security forces cleared hundreds of demonstrators from Pearl Square in the early hours. of yesterday morning.
The BBC reports that more demonstrations are planned today with mourners at the funerals saying they were ready to die for change in their country.
The protests are taking place against the rule of Bahrain’s Sunni monarchy.
Shias, who make up 70 per cent of the country’s population, are calling for their deep grievances to be addressed and the monarcy to give up control of government posts and critical decision making, according to Al Jazeera.
They also report that the capital Manama has been locked down with tanks and armoured personnel carriers patrolling the streets and a ban on public gatherings issued.
The New York Times report that there are also restrictions on internet use in the country.
Their reporter, Nicholas Kristoff, has also tweeted to say that the Bahraini royal family are “very unhappy” with his reporting:
The US has urged the Bahrain to show restraint against protesters, according to the Washington Post.
The Persian Gulf state is of strategic importance to the US as it hosts the country’s 5th naval fleet as well as the US Naval Forces Central Command.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say