AhlulBayt News Agency

source : AP
Tuesday

10 May 2011

7:30:00 PM
240957

Bahrain oil company fires hundreds over protests

Bahrain's energy minister says that the Gulf kingdom's oil company has fired almost 300 employees in recent weeks for taking part in anti-government protests and general strikes.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza, who also serves as the chief executive of the state-owned Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) says 293 employees have been dismissed since the king declared martial law on March 15 to quell weeks of demonstrations by the country's Shiite majority who are demanding greater freedoms.

Mirza also told lawmakers on Tuesday that 50 employees were suspended pending investigations by authorities and 11 board members of the workers union were referred to the general prosecutor.

BAPCO produces 250,000 barrels per day.

Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.

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