A policeman confronts a protester in the Shi'ite village of Sanabis, near Manama, in this February 14, 2011 file photo
DUBAI: Bahrain’s prime minister said yesterday his government would “forcefully confront” protests called for later this week, and warned those involved that they would be punished, state news agency BNA reported.
Protesters inspired by youth-led protests in Egypt that pushed the army to oust Islamist president Mohammed Mursi last month have called for rallies tomorrow, at a time of escalating clashes between police and pro-opposition demonstrators.
“The government will forcefully confront suspicious calls to violate law and order and those who stand behind them through decisive measures,” Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said after a meeting to discuss preparations to confront anti-government protests.
“It will punish (those) who stand behind them in line with recommendations of the National Council (parliament), which represents the will of the people of Bahrain,” he added.
Bahrain has banned protests in the capital Manama and toughened anti-terrorism laws, including imposing longer prison terms and stripping perpetrators of citizenship.
August 14 marks the day in 1971 when Bahrain gained independence from Britain.
“Tamarrod” (rebel) is a loose grouping of opposition activists who came together in early July to push for a free and democratic Bahrain through mass anti-government demonstrations, according to social media.
Reuters
