Clashes hit Bahrain Formula One exhibit
MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Security forces have fired stun grenades at anti-government protesters at a cultural exhibition for Bahrain's Formula One race.
The clashes Wednesday sent both demonstrators and people attending the exhibit running for cover in a potential blow to Bahrain's efforts to use this weekend's race as a sign of stability after 14 months of clashes in the Gulf kingdom.
The protesters chanted slogans against the race, which was canceled last year amid the unrest. They also called for the release of a jailed activist on a hunger strike lasting more than two months.
Bahrain has been hit by near daily violence between security forces and protesters from the country's Shiite majority seeking to break the Sunni monarchy's tight grip on power.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Witnesses say dozens of people have confronted Bahrain's crown prince and shouted anti-government slogans in a neighborhood that has been an opposition stronghold during the Gulf kingdom's 14-month uprising.
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa was not injured in Wednesday's outburst, but it carried powerful symbolism because he is a key backer of Sunday's Formula One Grand Prix.
The race was canceled last year because of unrest. Demonstrators have expressed anger over its return.
The crown prince was surrounded as he left a funeral of a Shiite executive who worked on one of his labor reform projects.
The ceremony was in Sanabis, the site of frequent clashes between security forces and Shiite protesters seeking to break Sunni dynasty's tight grip on power.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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