Bahrain police open fire at protesters in capital

[June 03, 2011]  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Bahraini police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters marching toward the landmark Pearl Square in the country's capital Friday, eyewitnesses said, just two days after authorities lifted emergency rule in the Gulf kingdom.

The downtown square wasthe epicenter of weeks of Shiite-led protests against Sunni rulers earlier this year. There were no immediate reports of injuries during the protests. The eyewitnesses spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisals.

The Bahraini government lifted emergency rule Wednesday. Tanks and soldiers left the heart of capital, but authorities warned they were not easing pressure on anti-government protesters as opposition groups called on its supporters to return to the streets. That was the first such appeal since the military overran the protesters' encampment at Pearl Square after martial law was imposed in mid-March.

At least 30 people have been killed since the protests for more rights and freedoms began in February in the Western-allied island nation, which hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. The protests were inspired by revolts across the Arab world.

Bahrain's Sunni rulers invited 1,500 troops from a Saudi-led Gulf force to help suppress the unrest when emergency rule was declared. The Saudi intervention infuriated Shiite power Iran. It underscored the fears of Iran among Sunni-dominated Arab countries, particularly among Gulf Arab leaders who fear that gains by Bahrain's Shiites could provide an opening for Iran to expand its influence on the doorstep of rival Saudi Arabia.

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 emergency rule gave the military wide powers to suppress demonstrations led by the country's Shiite majority against the minority Sunni monarchy that has ruled Bahrain for over 200 years. Hundreds of protesters, political leaders and Shiite professionals like doctors and lawyers have been arrested and tried in a special security court, set up under martial law. Two protesters were sentenced to death.

The annual F1 race has been Bahrain's most profitable international event since 2004, when the 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.

[Associated Press; By BARBARA SURK]

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