Hundreds of Bahraini Shias have scuffled with riot police at the funeral of a protester who died after a similar event a day earlier.
Police used tear gas and chased the protesters Tuesday in the outskirts of Manama, Bahrain’s capital. Protesters hurled stones at police and burned tires as the turmoil stretched into the evening.
The clashes erupted due to the death of a protester who died Monday after a rally in which Shias commemorated a deadly political upheaval that began in Bahrain in 1994 and lasted for several years.
Hundreds of Bahraini Shias have scuffled with riot police at the funeral of a protester who died after a similar event a day earlier.
Police used tear gas and chased the protesters Tuesday in the outskirts of Manama, Bahrain’s capital. Protesters hurled stones at police and burned tires as the turmoil stretched into the evening.
The clashes erupted due to the death of a protester who died Monday after a rally in which Shias commemorated a deadly political upheaval that began in Bahrain in 1994 and lasted for several years.
The protest rallies coincided with the kingdom’s second day of celebrating the National Day.
Head of the Bahraini human rights group, Abdul Jalil Al Singace, said the 30-year-old protester, Ali Jasem, died after inhaling large amounts of tear gas, AP reported.
The Bahraini Interior Ministry, however, said in a statement that the man died of ‘natural causes’ according to medical reports.
“There was no direct contact with the demonstrators,” Interior Ministry Spokesman Maj. Mohammed bin Daina said, saying there was no evidence that the deceased had been beaten by police or even taken part in the demonstration.
“Regrettably, this gathering was illegal and not permitted,” he said.
JS/BGH