Bahrain demonstrations turn lethal as military fires on disarmed crowds

Protests similar to the recent occurrences in Egypt have been spreading, but protests in Bahrain have turned lethal. Bahrain security forces have shown no compunction about shooting at disarmed crowds of people of demonstrators. Political demonstrations have begun erupting all over the Middle East, with people of several nations requiring reforms and greater amounts of democratic input. Security forces in Bahrain and in Libya have met demonstrations by unarmed civilians with lethal force.

Reforms demanded from Bahrain demonstrators

The Middle East is beginning to become increasingly volatile, as demonstrators in numerous nations have started demanding democratic reforms. On Feb. 14, just days after the resignation of Egyptian president Mubarak, protesters began taking to the streets of Manama, in accordance with The Telegraph, and have been protesting for several days. Force has been used on protestors, even with open fire, by the Bahraini security. Tear gas and live rounds were used Friday February 18 on demonstrators. This ended up killing 2 while the day before, five were killed with open fire. Bahraini demonstrators have been engaging in peaceful demonstrations and have not been openly carrying weapons or firing on police.

Protestors in Bahraini request democracy and civil liberties to be granted

Civil rights for the Shi'ite group in the Middle East are what protesters are asking for in Bahrain. Shi'ites is not equally addressed with Sunnis, the New York Times reports. This is since the royal family of Bahrain and King Hamad bin-Isa al-Khalifa is Sunni. They think the country ought to change also to a democracy. Demonstrators no longer want a constitutional monarchy. After funerals of those killed by police during protests Thursday, several Bahrainis went to the heart of Manama in Pearl Square calling it a "Day of Rage." This was despite the warnings given to demonstrators to stay out.

Demonstrations spread after Tunisia and Egypt turmoil

Both Tunisia and Egypt's rulers left after uprisings. This caused demonstrations in Yemen, Libya and Bahrain to start. Libyans have taken to the streets, calling for the ouster of the long time ruler of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Since 24 protesters from cities have been killed by Libyan security in the last few days, it’s clear the forces have had a bad response, USA Today reports.

Citations

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/bahrain/8334771/Bahrain-royal-family-orders-army-to-turn-on-the-people.html

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/02/19/world/middleeast/19bahrain.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&src=me

USA Today

usatoday.com/news/world/2011-02-18-libya-protests_N.htm