Bahrainis Protest Saudi Merger Plan

Chanting '"Yes to Our Nation", Bahraini protesters jammed a major highway west of Manama on Friday to express their opposition to the Saudi bid for a closer union with Bahrain, saying their country is not for sale.

They also chanted slogans against their country's ruler, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Similar protest rallies in Sitra, Nuwaidrat and Bilad al- Qadim turned violent after Saudi-backed Bahraini forces fired tear gas at protesters.

Bahraini opposition described the proposed merger plan as a sellout of the country's independence and an effort to give Saudi security forces a stronger hand in suppression of anti-government protests.

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Source: IRIB World Service

Chanting '"Yes to Our Nation", Bahraini protesters jammed a major highway west of Manama on Friday to express their opposition to the Saudi bid for a closer union with Bahrain, saying their country is not for sale. They also chanted slogans against their country's ruler, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Similar protest rallies in Sitra, Nuwaidrat and Bilad al- Qadim turned violent after Saudi-backed Bahraini forces fired tear gas at protesters. Bahraini opposition described the proposed merger plan as a sellout of the country's independence and an effort to give Saudi security forces a stronger hand in suppression of anti-government protests. The End Source: IRIB World Service