Stun grenades hit Bahraini protest ahead of F1 race (PHOTOS)

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Published: 18 April, 2012, 23:46

Protesters react after police used a flashbang sound grenade during an anti-government rally demanding the release of human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja in Manama April 18, 2012 (Reuters/Darren Whiteside)

TAGS: Middle East, Protest, Politics, Human rights

Security forces in Bahrain have deployed stun grenades and pepper spray to repel anti-government demonstrators who stormed a cultural exhibition for the country’s upcoming Formula One race in the capital Manama.
The harsh reaction by riot police ignited street battles as hundreds of protesters huddled by shops and stalls to take cover. As shoppers fled the area, many storeowners were forced to close early. No injuries were reported.
Activists from the Shi’ite-led opposition also claimed at least 60 protest leaders had been arrested in recent days in order to clamp down on dissent in the run-up to the Grand Prix scheduled to be held this Sunday.
The government had hoped to use the return of the Grand Prix circuit to stimulate the country’s flagging economy and prove the Sunni Muslim rulers were on the path to reform.
Last year’s race was canceled after protests erupted against the ruling Sunni monarchy in February. Activists claim up to 50 people were killed in the popular uprising, which Saudi troops helped suppress.
While Shi’ites make up some 70 per cent of the country’s population, they claim they have been shut out of key government and military positions.
The opposition hopes to use this year’s race to bring international attention to their demands for democratic reform.

Anti-government protesters confront riot-police during an anti-government rally demanding the release of human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, in Manama April 18, 2012 (Reuters/Ahmed Jadallah)

Female riot police confront protesters during an anti-government rally demanding the release of human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, in Manama April 18, 2012 (Reuters/Ahmed Jadallah)

Zaynab (L), daughter of human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, confronts riot police during an anti-government rally demanding his release, in Manama April 18, 2012 (Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed)