Bahrain Mirror: Thousands of Bahrainis took to the streets across the island kingdom on Friday (July 15, 2016) to voice their rejection of the ruling Al Khalifa family's ongoing monopoly over power and denounce the sectarian oppressive policy adopted by the government against the Shiite majority in the country.

In Diraz, west of the Bahraini capital Manama, the largest Friday Shia prayers were held following a four-week halt caused by the widespread attack on prominent Shia clerics and organizations, including the Bahraini Shia spiritual leader Sheikh Isa Qassim, who was stripped of his citizenship by a royal decree on June 20, 2016.

Holding pictures of Sheikh Qassim and chanting anti-regime slogans, protestors condemned the authorities' decision taken against the prominent Shia cleric.

Sitra, A'ali, Al-Malikiya and other areas across the Gulf country also witnessed similar demonstrations.

Clashes broke out after security forces cracked down on peaceful protestors and flooded residential areas with toxic tear gas.

Arabic Version