Peaceful Protesters Attacked in Bahrain Despite National Dialogue

Anti-regime protesters in Manama and other cities of Bahrain have been attacked by Saudi and Bahraini forces in Manama and several other cities.

The crackdown on the protests on Thursday led to confrontations between the demonstrators and the police. The forces are said to have used live rounds causing casualties, Press TV reported.

 
The violence reportedly happened mostly in Manama and in Bilad al-Qadim, a town in the suburb of Manama. However, in the villages of Musalla, Sanabis and Daih west of the capital also the rallies faced police violence. People in several other districts near the capital are expected to hold similar rallies.

A number of people have been arrested and eyewitnesses reported helicopters circling over the area, "firing tear gas canisters at protesters".

The crackdown happens despite the lifting of martial law in the country a month ago. Manama's security forces are using violence against the peaceful protestors while the so-called national dialogue is in progress.

Thousands of anti-government protesters have been waging protest rallies in Bahrain since mid-February, demanding an end to Al Khalifa dynasty, which has ruled the country for over 40 years.

In mid-March, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed their military forces in crisis-hit Bahrain to assist the Manama regime in its brutal crackdown on popular protests.

Scores of protesters have been killed -- many under torture -- and numerous others detained and transferred to unknown locations during the regime's brutal onslaught on protesters.

The crackdown rages on despite the lifting of martial law last month.