(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The Saturday attack against Bahraini protesters came ahead of the 13th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of rights records concerning 14 countries, including Bahrain, scheduled to be held in Geneva from May 21 to June 4.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-backed Bahraini forces continue their violent crackdown on peaceful anti-regime demonstrations.
Bahraini police used sound grenades and tear gas to disperse a similar demonstration near the capital, Manama, on May 18.
Over the past few days, anti-government demonstrators have also protested against the US support for the Manama regime.
The US State Department said on May 11 that Washington will resume arms sales to Bahrain. However, Bahraini opposition groups and activists condemned the decision, saying it could encourage further human rights violations in the Persian Gulf country.
Bahraini protesters have been holding anti-regime demonstrations despite recent constitutional amendments ratified by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on May 3, which give the elected parliament power to reject the government and its programs.
According to the amendments, the Bahraini king now has to consult the heads of the elected parliament and the appointed Consultative Council, which was introduced in 2002, before dissolving the government.
The elected parliament alone now has the right to vote to discontinue its cooperation with the Bahraini prime minister and refer the decision to the king, who will have the final word on whether to dismiss the premier or keep him in post.
Bahraini opposition groups, however, have censured the recent amendments, saying they have been intended by King Hamad to control the parliament.
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