Opponents Rally held in Bahrain Despite Government Concessions

PanARMENIAN.Net - Tens of thousands of opposition protesters have taken to the streets ofBahrain in spite of the government's efforts to meet some of the demands of anti-government activists.

Some demonstrators waved the Bahraini flag and chanted anti-government slogans as they marched in Manama Tuesday. Some protesters had slept in the capital's Pearl Square, which has become a focal point in demonstrations. Anti-government activists have staged more than a week of protests, but Tuesday's demonstration is believed to be the first one called for by the country's opposition parties.

The protest took place in spite of King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa's order for some political prisoners to be released, a move that gave a boost to opposition demands for democratic reforms, VOA reported.

An exiled Shi'ite activist has said he will return to the country from London on Tuesday. The return of Haq movement leader Hassan Mashaima could give a boost to opposition demands for reforms and the ouster of the ruling Sunni dynasty.

Bahraini media did not name the prisoners to be freed but said the release includes some of the Shi'ite activists on trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. It is not clear if the announcement means charges will be dropped against Mashaima, who was being tried in absentia.

On Monday, thousands of government supporters gathered at a Manama mosque Monday, waving Bahraini flags and pledging allegiance to the nation's Sunni rulers.

In a blow to Bahrain's economy, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa said Sunday the government has canceled the season-opening Formula One Grand Prix due to the political unrest. The race had been scheduled for March 13.

King Hamad has named the crown prince to lead a dialogue with the opposition, but opposition parties and protesters have yet to accept the proposal. They are demanding the resignation of the government and democratic reforms to strip the Sunni monarchy of its powers and end what they say is long-running discrimination against majority Shi'ites.