Timoneys Security Chief, Tariq Al Hassan and his “civilized”, “stupid as hell” Riot Police, gas vehicle that was apparently protesting

Chief of public security Tariq Al Hassan described the protesters as hooligans causing chaos and rioting. “Freedom of expression must be exercised in a civilised manner,” the statement said without giving details of injuries or detainees.

Marches in Manama mark anniversary of uprising
13 February, 2012 – France 24

REUTERS – Hundreds of protesters marched in the Bahraini capital Manama on Monday, trying to retake a landmark roundabout and blocking a highway on the eve of the first anniversary of a pro-democracy uprising in the Gulf Arab kingdom.

Inspired by revolts in Egypt and Tunisia, Bahrainis – mainly from the Shi’ite majority – took to the streets on Feb. 14, 2011 to demand democratic reform. The Sunni Muslim-led government crushed the protests a month later.

On Monday, they tried to reoccupy a symbolic square where demonstrators camped out for a month from Feb. 14, 2011. They advanced about 2 km (1.5 miles) before police stopped them by firing teargas and rubber bullets, a Reuters witness said.

Traffic came to a standstill on the main thoroughfare into the capital, and teargas canisters, rubber pellets and rocks littered the highway.

Some fled into nearby Shi’ite villages and into the Budaiya district where heavy clashes continued for about an hour as youths threw petrol bombs, iron bars and rocks. Police fired teargas and stun grenades. Two helicopters hovered overhead.

The events took police by surprise after hundreds broke off from an organised march led by Wefaq, and ran onto the highway.

“It (took them) by surprise, they were not expecting anyone to do that,” said Sayed, 25, an activist from the town of Aali.

Sheikh Ali Salman, leader of the largest Shi’ite opposition group Wefaq, has called on youths to eschew violence.

Chief of public security Tariq Al Hassan described the protesters as hooligans causing chaos and rioting. “Freedom of expression must be exercised in a civilised manner,” the statement said without giving details of injuries or detainees. …more