(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Hundreds of protesters gathered in Sydney to express solidarity with the people of Bahrain to support their uprising.
Anti-government protests by Bahrain's marginalized Shi'ite majority have now entered their third week. Ruled by a pro-US monarch. Middle East, analysts say that it is no wonder there is political unrest in Bahrain, as there is a deep sense of frustration among large sections of its society. We spoke to Bahraini national Ghassan Khamis from the Bahraini opposition movement about some of the injustices in Bahrain.
The uprising and protests on the island are said to be inspired by the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt. However, tensions have run high in Bahrain for many years. The majority Shi'ite population has long complained of discrimination by the ruling Sunni al Khalifa family. In an attempt to appease the protesters, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, offered to give 1,000 dinars, roughly two and half thousand US dollars, to each family, as well the sacking of five cabinet ministers and the reduction of government housing loans by 25%.
Demonstrators in Sydney have expressed concern about the violence being perpetrated against the anti-government protesters in Bahrain. They are calling on the Australian government to condemn the violence.
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