30 Mar 2021 | 10:55 AM UTC
Bahrain: Opposition groups to protest nationwide over alleged mistreatment of prisoners April 2
Opposition groups in Bahrain plan protest April 2 opposing alleged mistreatment of prisoners. Disruptions likely, violence possible.
Event
Several prominent Shi'a opposition groups, including the February 14 Youth Coalition, have called for nationwide demonstrations April 2. The action is intended to highlight the alleged mistreatment of prisoners within Bahrain. Organizers have not provided exact protest locations, but they are likely to occur within predominantly Shi'a enclaves outside of Manama, such as A'ali, Abu Saiba, Al-Aker, Bani Jamrah, Diraz, Jannusan, Karranah, Jidhafs, Karzakan, Sanabis, and Sitra. Protests are most likely to occur late April 2, once evening prayers have concluded.
Police often restrict access to demonstrations, and localized traffic disruptions are likely near rallies, particularly in Shi'a enclaves. In past protests, demonstrators have burned tires, blocked roads, and clashed with police. Police often forcibly disperse protesters; officers could use tear gas, stun grenades, and possibly live ammunition to break up demonstrations. In certain instances, radicalized elements of the opposition movement have targeted police and security checkpoints with Molotov cocktails or crude explosive devices.
Context
Anti-government protests have been a persistent issue since the 2011 uprising, which stemmed from the long-standing perception among members of the Shi'a majority that they are politically and economically marginalized. Critics allege the government regularly uses the specter of foreign - likely Iranian - interference to silence members of the opposition or arbitrarily detain prominent Shi'a clerics and activists. Several human rights organizations routinely accuse the Bahraini government of mistreating politically motivated prisoners.
Advice
Avoid all protests due to the potential for violence. If a protest forms near you, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure location. Do not take photographs of demonstrators or security forces. Allow extra time if driving near the affected areas; consider planning alternative routes around potential demonstration sites.
