Bahraini regime forces attack, injure demonstrators in Diraz

Saudi-backed Bahraini regime forces have attacked an anti-government demonstration in the northwestern village of Diraz, injuring several protesters, Press TV reports. Protesters took to the streets in Diraz on Wednesday to hold a demonstration against the ruling Al Khalifa family and demand the release of political prisoners. Bahraini activists said regime forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators in Diraz. Several protesters were arrested. Demonstrators in Diraz also called for an end to the regime’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests. On March 18, the main Bahraini opposition group, al-Wefaq, said 27-year-old Sabri Mahfud died due to inhalation of tear gas fired by regime forces during a demonstration near the capital, Manama. The attack on Bahraini demonstrators in Diraz comes a day after King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa claimed on Tuesday the “doors to dialogue were, and remain, open.” The Bahraini monarch also claimed the government has made “significant progress” in implementing reforms in the sectors of “security, judiciary, social policy and media” since February 2011. However, Bahraini opposition groups say the promised reforms have not been enough and that they have made “no change on the ground.” Bahraini demonstrators hold King Hamad responsible for the death of protesters during the popular uprising in the country that began in February 2011.