Bahrain protests:
Police break up Pearl Square crowd
Click to playSecurity forces in Bahrain have dispersed thousands of anti-government protesters in Pearl Square in the centre of the capital, Manama. Hundreds of riot police using tear gas and batons moved in before dawn, with tanks now reported on some streets.At least three people died in the operation, with hundreds more injured.The protesters want wide-ranging political reforms and had been camped out since Tuesday. Officials said all chance of talks had been "exhausted".Clashes earlier in the week left two dead and dozens injured in the country.The unrest comes amid a wave of protests that has swept through several Arab nations and led to the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt resigning.Ibrahim Sharif, of Bahrain's secular Waad party, told the BBC that the police had moved into Pearl Square at about 0300 (2400 GMT) as people were sleeping.
More than 300 people were admitted and treated for injuries. Details of some of the injuries are pretty horrific - one man appears to have been shot at very close range in the back of the head.A number of people are reporting that not just tear gas and rubber bullets but also that live rounds were used at some point. We have just spoken to a doctor - he was at the protest site last night as a volunteer to help people with basic medical needs. He was attacked and is in intensive care with severe injuries. He gave us graphic details of how he was beaten and cursed and how he feared for his life.There is a mood of defiance among protesters here but they are in shock at what has happened. Last night there had been a festival atmosphere in the square and nobody saw this coming. It will take days to work out whether there is a political response, a street response, that they can come to."Throughout the day there were rumours that we would have another 24 hours, but the attack has come without warning," he said.Mr Sharif said that he had seen at least 100 riot police on one side of the square and hundreds of people running away down side roads."They should have used water hoses at first instead of using rubber bullets and other prohibited weapons. There were women and children who were terrified by the attack."On Thursday morning there were angry scenes outside Manama's main hospital, Salmaniya, as hundreds of people gathered, some answering calls to donate blood and others defacing images of the Bahraini royal family. The conflict lessened in 1999 when Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa became emir. He began a cautious process of democratic reform. In 2002, he proclaimed himself king and landmark elections were held. But the opposition boycotted them because the appointed upper chamber of parliament was given equal powers to the elected lower chamber. In a rare appearance on Tuesday, Sheikh Hamad expressed regret about the deaths of protesters and sai he would continue with reform. ( news from BBC)Prof.John Kurakar
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