Bahrain braces for Friday rallies

Bahrainis are set to hold anti-government rallies in the Persian Gulf sheikhdom amid widespread deployment of Saudi-backed forces across the country.

Activists say protest rallies have been scheduled for after Friday prayers as the popular revolution in the Middle Eastern country enters its 109th day, a Press TV correspondent reported.

This comes despite a royal decree issued on May 8 declaring June 1 to be the end of the nationwide marshal law. The state of emergency was originally declared in March.

The protesters are expected to march towards Manama’s Pearl Square, the focal point of the Revolution. The Pearl Square monument was destroyed by Bahraini authorities earlier in March as part of a deadly Saudi-backed crackdown against anti-regime protesters.

Since mid-February, thousands of anti-government demonstrators in Bahrain have staged protests in the streets, calling for an end to Al Khalifa rule, a dynasty that has reigned for almost forty years.

On March 13, Saudi-led forces were dispatched to the Persian Gulf island upon Manama’s request to quell the countrywide protests.

According to local sources, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds arrested so far during the government clampdown on the peaceful demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Bahraini security forces have reportedly kidnapped several women, including doctors, university professors and students.

Protesters say they will continue their street demonstrations until their demands for freedom, constitutional monarchy as well as a proportional voice in the government are met.