Thousands rally in Bahrain to demand release of jailed activistsAugust 31, 2012 - 22:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Thousands of protesters from Shiite opposition groups marched in Bahrain on Friday, Aug 31 to demand the release of jailed activists, according to AFP. The march held under the slogan "Freedom and Democracy" was organized after a two-month break in demonstrations in the tiny Gulf monarchy ruled by a Sunni minority. It was held near a motorway connecting Shiite villages with Manama. Protesters, including women, waved Bahraini flags and pictures of jailed activists from Shiite opposition groups, the witnesses said. They carried portraits of Nabil Rajab, a human rights activist sentenced to three years in prison for participating in illegal demonstrations, and placards reading "Free Nabil Rajab." "We do not forget the prisoners!" the demonstrators chanted. Friday's rally follows a two-month ban imposed by the interior ministry to "restore order" after complaints of damage at venues of demonstrations, according to officials. Shiite-majority Bahrain, which is ruled by a Sunni dynasty, has come under strong criticism from international rights groups over a bloody crackdown on protests last year inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |