Bahrain in turmoil ahead of anniversary

MANAMA

Aside from the anti-government protests, thousands of Bahraini government supporters rally in Manama. AP photo

Bahrain deported two American rights activists accused of aiding anti-government activists, after police used teargas and stun grenades to break up a anti government protest Feb. 11. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions ahead of the one-year anniversary of the uprising against the Gulf kingdom’s rulers.

The activists had come as part of a group called Witness Bahrain which says it wants to observe events on the eve of the Feb. 14 anniversary of protests led mainly by the Shi’ite majority for democratic reforms. “Huwaida Arraf and Radhika Sainath arrived in Bahrain in the last few days and obtained tourist visas upon arrival at the airport,” a statement from the government’s Information Affairs Authority said.

Bahraini police fired tear gas and sound grenades to break up protests Feb. 11 as protestors tried to march towards Manama’s Pearl Square. Also, thousands marched to show support for government policies. Bahrain has been in turmoil since the democracy movement erupted last year, followed by months of violence between riot police and teenagers that has worsened in the past two months. Demonstrations have multiplied as the Feb. 14 anniversary of the uprising approaches.

Compiled from Reuters and AP stories by the Daily News staff.