A prominent Bahraini opposition leader has returned from exile and urged the kingdom’s rulers to back up reform promises with action as thousands of demonstrators marched on government buildings in the capital.
The return of Hassan Mushaima, a senior Shiite figure, could mark a new phase for the anti-government movement in the tiny Persian Gulf nation which is a strategically important American ally.
He heads a Shiite group known as Haq, which is considered more hardline than the main Shiite political bloc that has helped drive two weeks of protests.
He was embraced and kissed by a small group of supporters as he returned from several months of voluntary exile in London.
Mr Mushaima, who had been among a group of Shiite activists previously accused of plotting to overthrow Bahrain’s rulers, called on the government to be more responsive to protesters’ demands for far-reaching political reforms.
“Dialogue… is not enough. Promising is not enough. We have to see something on the ground,” he told reporters at the airport.
Bahrain’s rulers “have promised before but they did not do anything for the nation of Bahrain”, he said.
The Bahraini opposition currently appears divided over whether to demand an end to the Sunni monarchy or offer it a chance to remain in exchange for handing powers to the elected parliament.
Mr Mushaima did not call directly for the removal of the monarchy, but insisted that any changes should grant more power to the people.
Asked if he hoped to lead the protest movement, he said: “I’m always saying to the people ‘I’m your servant’.”
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