Protesters slam Al Khalifa crackdown

Participants at an anti-regime demonstration in Bahrain slam Al Khalifa regime for continued crackdown on protests and mass arrests, Press TV reports.

The protesters on Friday gathered in a village near the capital Manama, in response to a call by the main opposition Al-Wefaq party.

The anti-regime demonstrators called for the establishment of a democratically-elected government, accusing Bahraini security forces of attacking peaceful protesters and arresting hundreds over the past few months.

The demonstrators also called for the release of political prisoners, holding the Bahraini King responsible for the deaths and arrests of activists since mid-February 2011 when uprising began in the Persian Gulf country.

The Manama regime promptly launched a brutal crackdown on the peaceful protests and called in Saudi-led Arab forces from neighboring states.

Dozens of people have been killed in the crackdown, and the security forces have arrested hundreds, including doctors and nurses.

A report published by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry in November 2011 found that the Al Khalifa regime had used excessive force in the crackdown and accused Manama of torturing political activists, politicians, and protesters.

Bahrainis say they will continue holding demonstrations until their demand for the establishment of a democratically elected government is met.