Clashes hit Bahrain’s capital as riot police block protesters

THE WASHINGTON POST

By Associated Press, Published: October 12AP

MANAMA, Bahrain — Riot police in Bahrain have fired tear gas and stun grenades in clashes with hundreds of anti-government protesters in the capital of the restive Gulf kingdom.
Associated Press journalists witnessed several arrests as security forces moved against protesters, led by the daughter of jailed human rights activist Nabeel Rajab.

The unrest in the capital Manama on Friday contrasted with a simultaneous, larger and peaceful protest march on the capital’s outskirts, which was permitted by the government.
Bahrain has been hit by near nonstop tensions since February 2011 when the country’s Shiite majority stepped up its campaign for a greater political voice in the Sunni-ruled nation.
More than 50 people have died in the unrest.
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