Protesters demanding sweeping political reforms from Bahrain’s rulers have held their ground in an Egypt-style occupation of the capital’s landmark square, calling for a third day of demonstrations.
Security forces pulled back sharply – apparently on orders to ease tensions – after clashes which left at least two people dead and dozens injured.
But police helicopters flew low over a funeral procession for one of the victims in which mourners called him a “martyr” and pledged more protests.
Thousands of people spent the night in a makeshift tent camp in Manama’s Pearl Square, which was swarmed by demonstrators a day earlier.
The protests began on Monday as a cry for the country’s Sunni monarchy to loosen its grip, including hand-picking most top government posts, and open more opportunities for the country’s majority Shiites, who have long complained of being blocked from decision-making roles.
But the uprising’s demands have steadily reached further. Many protesters are calling for the government to provide more jobs and better housing and free all political detainees. Increasingly, protesters are also chanting slogans to wipe away the entire ruling dynasty that has led Bahrain for more than 200 years.
On Tuesday, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa made a rare nationwide TV address to offer condolences for the deaths, pledge an investigation into the killings and promise to push ahead with reforms which include loosening state controls on the media and internet.
A wave of arrests last year against Shiite activists sparked riots and protest marches. But authorities are moving ahead with a highly sensitive trial of 25 Shiites accused of plotting against the ruling system. The next court session is scheduled for February 24.
In the past week, Bahrain’s rulers have tried to defuse calls for reform by promising nearly 2,700 US dollars (£1,685) for each family and pledging to loosen state controls on the media.
Similar concessions have been made by leaders in the Gulf to try to pre-empt protests.
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