A large number of Bahraini demonstrators have once again held a massive protest rally to show their outrage at a court decision to extend the detention of the main opposition leader, Sheikh Ali Salman.
On Friday, the regime forces launched another heavy-handed crackdown on demonstrators, who had taken to the streets to demand the immediate release of Salman, the leader of al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, the country’s main opposition group.
Local residents and witnesses say the rally in an area around the capital Manama turned violent after Al Khalifa forces fired teargas and birdshots to disperse the anti-regime protesters.
Bahraini people have recently staged nationwide protests against a court decision to adjourn Salman’s trial. He was set to be tried on Wednesday, but the trial has been postponed until May 20.
This is the second time Salman’s trial has been put to a later date. In late March, a Bahraini court adjourned Salman’s trial until April 22 and extended his remand.
Salman’s lawyers say the case against their client is politically motivated and lacks legitimate legal basis.
Back in December 2014, Salman was arrested on charges of seeking regime change and collaborating with foreign powers. He has strongly denied the allegations.
His arrest has triggered condemnation inside and outside Bahrain, with leaders, governments and international organizations across the world calling for his immediate release.
Amnesty International and other rights groups have frequently called on the Bahraini government to release all political prisoners.
Bahrain has been witnessing almost daily protests against the Al Khalifa regime since early 2011, when an uprising began in the kingdom. Since then, thousands of protesters have held numerous rallies in the streets of Bahrain, calling for the Al Khalifa royal family to relinquish power.
Scores of Bahrainis have been killed and hundreds of others injured and arrested in the ongoing crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/04/25/407930/Persian-Gulf-Bahrain-protest-rally-Salman
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