BAHRAIN: Protesters in Bahrain reject proposed government reforms

Record ID: 214763

  • Title: BAHRAIN: Protesters in Bahrain reject proposed government reforms
  • Date: 19th September 2014
  • Summary: MANAMA, BAHRAIN (SEPTEMBER 19, 2014) (REUTERS) ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTERS MARCHING ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTERS HOLDING A LARGE BANNERS, READING (Arabic) "LAND OF DIGNITY" PROTESTERS HOLDING POSTERS, READING (Arabic and English) "BOYCOTT" AND "WE REFUSE MOCKERY SOLUTIONS" VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS HOLDING BAHRAINI FLAGS AND PLACARDS PROTESTERS LISTENING TO MAIN OPPOSITION AL-W
  • Embargoed: 4th October 2014 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Bahrain
  • Country: Bahrain
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAGHR1ZMQITC2TGWO9HX194MBI
  • Story Text: Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in Bahraini capital Manama on Friday (September 19), rejecting reforms proposed by the government.
    Bahrain's Crown Prince said on Friday political parties had identified five areas of "common ground" including potential parliamentary and judicial reforms, a move which could address opposition Shi'ite grievances.
    Sunni Muslim-ruled Bahrain has been shaken by persistent unrest since mostly Shi'ite Muslim demonstrators, who complain of political marginalisation, took to the streets in February 2011 to call for greater democracy.
    Protesters marched, waving the national flag and carrying banners, which read: "We reject mockery solutions".
    Opposition groups, including the main Wefaq organisation representing the Shi'ite Muslim community, and National Democratic Action Society (WAAD) were part of the rally.
    Wefaq is one of the six opposition groups that has been taking parts in the talks alongside government officials, pro-government associations and several independent lawmakers.
    The party's secretary-general Ali Salman told his supporters at the rally: "We are committed, we have the right, we have the right, we have the right, and we will fight for our rights what ever happens."
    Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, seen as a moderate member of the royal family, presented the five topics to King Hamad as a framework for dialogue intended to increase "long-term stability" in the country, a statement from his court said.
    The five points address major Shi'ite demands including re-defining electoral districts to ensure greater representation; measures to enable parliament to question the actions of ministers, including the prime minister and his deputies; and granting parliament new rights to approve the cabinet. Judicial and security reforms were also part of the package.
    Wefaq wants a constitutional monarchy with a government chosen from within a democratically elected parliament.
    Wefaq had previously said it would boycott parliamentary elections due to take place this year unless the government guarantees the vote will reflect the will of the people.
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