Bahrain police break up opposition protest in capital

Anti-government protesters clashed with Bahraini police in Manama on Thursday, a rare protest in the capital as majority Shi'ite Muslims try to sustain pressure for more reforms ahead of the Feb. 14 anniversary of a pro-democracy uprising.             

Bahrain, led by the Sunni Muslim Al Khalifa family, has been in turmoil since an Arab Spring protest movement that erupted last year followed by a government crackdown. Clashes have continued in districts populated by Shi'ites but have worsened in recent weeks as the anniversary approaches.            

Police set up checkpoints on major roads surrounding the old district of Manama in an apparent attempt to stop people driving in to join an unlicensed protest that had been announced in advance.           

Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab led around 500 people, mainly local residents, chanting "Down with (King) Hamad" through the narrow alleyways towards a main road, where riot police began firing tear gas.      

Groups of police on foot chased youths through the neighbourhood, with police firing tear gas, sound bombs and rubber bullets and youths throwing stones and some petrol bombs. On a stormy evening, the wind blew most of the gas away.       

Reuters