Bahrain: Over 60 peaceful pro-democracy protests despite repression

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Many peaceful pro-democracy protests have taken to the streets since early morning today, in concurrence with the 42nd anniversary of Bahrain independence. 60 protests are reported to have taken place in different areas across Bahrain.The protests started to take place right after the dawn prayers. The protesters marched holding the national flag of Bahrain,  placards of martyrs killed by the regime  and prisoners of conscience who are held hostages in detentions. The protesters affirmed that the right to protest is a genuine humanitarian right which will not be abandoned. They called for a democratic state that is based on equality and justice and raised slogans demanding and end to dictatorship and authoritarianism.The regime forces have forcefully confronted the peaceful unarmed pro-democracy protesters who were holding only the national flags calling for democratic transition.The areas that witnessed protests are as follows: Sitra–Wadian, Sefala, Mehazza, Al-Khrjia, Al-Nabih Salih, Al-Ekir, Sanad, Bilad Al-Qadeem, Al-Mussala, Eskan Jidhafs, Al-Daih, Al-Malkya, Karzakan, Dimistan, Al-Hamala, Al-Quraih, Bani Jmara, Al-Diraz, Sar, Barbar, Magaba, Jannusan, Abu Saibei’e , Al-Mugsha’a, Karranah, the Capital Manama, A’ali, Eskan Aa’ali, Salmabad, Eskan Salmabad, Abu Guwah, South Sehla, Tubli, Al-Kawarah, Al-No’aim, Nuwaidrat, Shahrakan, Ma’ameer, and many other areas in Bahrain.The regime forces are reported to have targeted the peaceful pro-democracy protesters with fire arms and exercised collective punishment in peaceful neighborhoods. Many are areas have been flooded with lethal toxic tear gas that was directly and excessively fired at houses causing severe suffocations among citizens.Despite the official  suppression, citizens defiantly insisted on exercising their right to protest while the regime forces were  surrounding  areas and chasing protesters./129