Reuters reports:
Mass march urges reforms in Bahrain
MANAMA (Reuters) - Tens of thousands have marched in one of Bahrain's largest opposition demonstrations to demand democratic reforms in the pro-Western Gulf Arab state.
Friday's peaceful march, called by the Shi'ite-led opposition, follows unsuccessful talks with the government onconstitutional reforms to give greater powers to parliament's elected assembly, which is on an equal footing with a state-appointed chamber.
Bahrain, the Gulf's banking hub and home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, has introduced some reforms, but the opposition, led by the country's majority Shi'ite Muslims, want more rights in the small Sunni-ruled island state.
The article also notes that the Bahraini Minister of the Interior has called for legal action against the marchers. Small beer compared to some of the other recent responses. Belorus has not yet become a model for response to democratic demands and that is good news.
UPDATE: [Hat Tip to Publius Pundit]
Maybe I spoke too soon. Publius posts an article from al Jazeerah stating that:
Bahrain has warned it will take unspecified measures against the Gulf state’s main Shia opposition group after it organised a mass demonstration in defiance of a government ban.
Still not Belorus, but a move in the wrong direction.
Publius also links to this site with lots of pictures.
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