Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): A number of Bahraini villages witnessed angry protests, hours after the high appeals court ranked up the prison sentence issued against the opposition leader and Al-Wefaq Secretary General Sheikh Ali Salman from 4 to 9 years, on Monday (May 30, 2016).

Hundreds of Bahrainis took to the streets of the capital Manama and other towns and villages despite the protest ban imposed by the authorities. Meanwhile, angry protestors burnt the UK national flag, whose Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond was visiting Manama.

Britain supports the ruling Al Khalifa family in facing the demands of the opposition that seeks to put an end to Al Khalifa monopoly over power. After meeting the king on Monday (May 30, 2016), Hammond said that he welcomes the king's commitment to reform.

In Saar, west of Manama, frustrated demonstrators chanted slogans condemning the British policies and burnt the British flag.

Protests were also staged in Bilad Al-Qadeem (birthplace of Al-Wefaq Secretary General) and other villages during which protestors held photos of Sheikh Ali Salman and chanted slogans demanding his immediate release.

Demonstrators stressed on their adherence to the demands announced by the popular protests that erupted in February 2011.

Security forces cracked down on the protests, firing tear gas canisters at protestors in Maameer, southwest of the capital, while demonstrators blocked main roads.

Arabic Version