Manama (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Protesters camped out in Manama's Pearl Square hardened their stance Monday, whilst pro-government supporters staged an impressive rally in the capital. A young man died from injuries received during Friday's police action and an exiled opposition figure said he would return home today. The organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix cancelled the 13 March season-opening race, which the kingdom has hosted annually since 2004.
The uncertain situation in the region is leading countries like the Philippines with citizens working in Bahrain to consider imposing restrictive exit visas. More than a million Filipinos and others from South and East Asia work in the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.
In the meantime, tens of thousands of Bahrainis thronged Al Fateh Mosque and the surrounding areas for the Eisha prayers and a rally to promote national unity. The rally stressed the legitimacy of the existing political regime and emphasised that Bahrain and its stability are of paramount importance, and should not be compromised in any way.
“We urge all the men and women of Bahrain no to allow anyone intending to harm this nation to achieve his goal,” said Sheikh Abdul Lateef Al Mahmoud.
Demonstrators called on the government to free all prisoners of conscience and on “citizens, especially the young people, to help calm down the situation and engage in a comprehensive national dialogue between all segments and forces of the society”.