Bahrain deploys troops as protest anniversary looms

Bahrain has deployed thousands of security forces to confront anti-government protesters ahead of the first anniversary of the start of the Shia-led uprising that seeks to loosen the Sunni dynasty’s grip on power.

Opposition groups yesterday urged marchers to stream towards the gathering point known as “Freedom Square” outside the capital, Manama. Some activists seek to occupy the site before tomorrow’s anniversary, and turn it into a new semi-permanent hub for the uprising.

Street battles between security forces and protesters have flared up almost every day for the past months across Bahrain, particularly in the Shia villages around Manama. The city itself has lar-gely been off limits to protesters since authorities launched a punishing crackdown last March.

At least 40 people have been killed during months of unprecedented political unrest in Bahrain. Neighbouring Saudi Arabia and other Sunni-ruled Gulf states dispatched troops in March to help crush the protests.

Bahrain’s king has warned it will not tolerate an anniversary spike in protests. Sporadic clashes occurred yesterday with police firing tear gas.

King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa said last year’s events were regrettable. “But there is no opposition in Bahrain. Such a thing is not in our constitution. There are just people with different views, and that is good.”