(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The downtown square was the epicenter of weeks of peaceful protests against discriminate rulers earlier this year in the Persian Gulf kingdom.
Friday's march in Manama comes two days after authorities lifted emergency rule. It was imposed in March to quell demonstrations by Bahrain's Shiite majority demanding greater freedoms and inspired by uprisings across the Arab world.
At least 30 people have martyred since February, when protests erupted in the tiny island nation, which hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.
The eyewitnesses spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals.
Also Friday, Formula One’s governing body was set to decide whether to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix for later this year or scrap the kingdom’s biggest international event altogether after the season-opening March auto race was postponed due to political unrest.
Despite tight security across Bahrain and police reinforcements at numerous checkpoints around the capital, hundreds of opposition supporters from the mostly Shiite populated villages around Manama took their grievances to the streets again and set off to reclaim Pearl Square.
“Instead of rights, every family got a political prisoner. Did the government expect people to stay at home?” said Nabeel Rajab, a leading activist and the Bahrain Center for Human Rights’ president. “After almost three months of military rule, the crisis is deeper because every family has suffered when the army was sent to solve a political problem.”
The annual F1 race has been Bahrain’s most profitable international event since 2004, when the Persian Gulf kingdom became the first Arab country to stage the Grand Prix. Bahrain organizers insist they are ready to host the race this year.
FIA’s World Motor Council planned to decide on rescheduling it when it gathers in Barcelona later on Friday.
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