06 Jul 2017 | 02:00 PM UTC
Bahrain: Opposition plans protest July 6 - 8, clashes possible
Unauthorized protests planned for July 6 - 8 could lead to clashes between demonstrators and security forces
Event
Shi’a opposition groups in Bahrain have called for protests to take place from Thursday, July 6, through Saturday, July 8. Demonstrations on July 6 are expected to take place in Sanabis at 20:00 (local time) and in Sitra at 20:30. On Friday, demonstrations are expected in Abu Saiba at 20:30. Saturday’s demonstrations are in support of Shi’a opposition cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim, who was stripped of Bahraini citizenship in 2016. These will take place in Karranah, beginning at 20:00.
As public demonstrations are not authorized by the Bahraini authorities, police units may use force and tear gas to disperse crowds. Protesters could respond by throwing Molotov cocktails, detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), attempting to block roads, or burning tires. Localized transportation disruptions are possible.
Context
Bahrain's Shi'a Muslims accuse the royal family and the government of marginalizing their community. Protests often take place in locations across Bahrain on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and regularly result in violent clashes. On May 23, five activists protesting in Diraz were killed during clashes with security forces.
Advice
Individuals present in Bahrain are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations and to keep abreast of the situation.
