(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - After Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced on Sunday that those employees who had been dismissed would regain their jobs, out of work Bahrainis rushed to their work places in large numbers but were rejected, Bahraini rights activist Maryam Al-Khawaja wrote in an e-mail to Press TV on Wednesday.
Reports also suggest that dozens more teachers have been suspended following the king's speech.
Bahrainis have described king's speech as a futile attempt aimed at restoring normalcy to the country and failing to address their demands.
According to rights groups, Bahraini authorities have unlawfully fired at least 2,500 workers for supporting anti-regime protests and that these dismissals have affected over 13,000 people in the tiny Persian Gulf sheikhdom.
Bahraini protesters say regime forces are now using strange and stronger ammunition against peaceful anti-government demonstrators. They say the tear gas used by Bahraini troops to disperse protesters produces black smoke instead of white.
Protesters say the new tear gas, which is reportedly Brazilian, also causes severe breathing problems and a burning sensation in the skin.
Since mid-February, Bahraini protesters have been holding anti-government protests demanding an end to the rule of Al Khalifa dynasty, which they say has instituted despotic governance, discrimination and the suppression of all dissent.
Manama, backed by Saudi troops, has met the popular protests with a brutal crackdown, killing scores and arresting hundreds.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have harshly criticized Bahrain for its violence against protesters as well as doctors, nurses, lawyers and journalists that expressed support for the protest movement.
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