Security forces appeared to hold back as the crowds poured into Pearl Square in Manama. The dramatic move Tuesday comes just hours after a second protester died in clashes with police in the strategic island kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.
Oppositions groups are calling for greater political freedoms and an end to the ruling monarchy's grip on key decisions and government posts. The nation's majority Shiites have long complained of discrimination.
On Monday, pro-reform marchers clashed with police, leaving one dead.
In Yemen, thousands of people marching for the ouster of the country's U.S.-allied president clashed Tuesday with police and government supporters, and at least three demonstrators were injured in a fifth straight day of protests, as the events in Egypt continued to inspire opposition groups across the Middle East.
Police tried to disperse the demonstrators using tear gas, batons and stun guns, but about 3,000 protesters defiantly continued their march from Sanaa University toward the city center, chanting slogans against President Ali Abdullah Saleh, including "Down with the president's thugs!"
The procession gained momentum with hundreds of students and rights activists joining along the way.
End item/ 159
