Bahraini protesters attacked police cars and started fire outside Bahrain’s Ministry of the Interior on Saturday night in the second consecutive night of violence in the capital Manama. The riots reported as Bahrain hosted the first round of Formula One World Championship, which kicked off at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
Over 100 protestors marched through the old market in Manama demanding the release of 20 people that were jailed for between one and two years for holding an illegal gathering in December 2005. The demonstrators also demanded that another 21 people arrested two days ago following a protest in a shopping mall - in which 13 people including a policeman were wounded - also be freed. The demonstration on Friday started as a peaceful protest by 175 people demanding the release of 20 supporters of a cleric. An Interior Ministry statement said police had arrested "a number of people who triggered the riot" Friday.
Anti-riot police Saturday night fired tear gas to disperse the protesters gathered at the interior ministry after a group stoned passing police vehicles.
