Bahraini al-Khalifa forces attack hundreds of mourners outside Manama

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Saudi-backed troops in Bahrain have attacked the mourning protesters, who were calling for the release of detained human rights activist, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja.The demonstrators were gathered outside the capital Manama on Sunday, holding a funeral for a woman, who had been martyred due to teargas inhalation several days ago.They shouted slogans against the government.Earlier in the day, the Bahraini regime rejected a request for the transfer of al-Khawaja to Denmark, despite him entering the 60th day of his hunger strike on Sunday.The human rights campaigner, who was handed down a life sentence in June last year, was transferred to prison hospital on April 3 due to deterioration of his health condition.Bahrain’s Supreme Judiciary Council said in a statement issued on Sunday, “The handover of accused and convicted persons to foreign countries takes place under specific conditions…This does not apply in Abdulhadi al-Khawaja’s case.”According to a Saturday report by the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA), “Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmad Al Khalifa received a written letter from Danish Foreign Minister Villy Soevndal asking Abdulhadi al-Khawaja be transferred to Denmark since he holds Danish citizenship.”Bahraini authorities said the rights activist had lost nearly 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and he was showing signs of low hemoglobin.Meanwhile, Bahrainis continue their demonstrations against the ruling Al Khalifa family across the country as regime forces go on with violent crackdown on peaceful protests.Bahraini activists say six people have been martyred during nationwide anti-regime demonstrations since March 17, 2012.Bahrainis hold King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa responsible for the death of protesters during the popular uprising in the country that began in February 2011. /129