Bahrain releases 308 prisoners

Bahrain releases 308 prisoners

2011-02-24 02:41:25 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANAMA (BNO NEWS) -- The Bahraini government on Wednesday announced the release of 308 prisoners, conceding to another opposition demand.

The Information Affairs Authority said the decision to release the men was made by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, according to a release from the Ministry of Interior.

Among those released are 23 terrorist suspects, who were charged to be a part of a cell aimed to jeopardize state security, Xinhua news agency reported.

Nabeel Rajab from the defunct Bahrain Center for Human Rights told Xinhua that most of the men released were those facing drug charges and other criminal offense.

"We still need to ensure that no one is detained for expressing their opinions," he said.

On February 19, tanks and other military vehicles left the Pearl Roundabout in Manama after the Crown Prince - who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces - ordered troops to withdraw from the streets. The day before, the Bahraini military allegedly used helicopters and opened fire on Shiite protestors camped at the square.

At least three people were killed and 200 others injured after security forces stormed an encampment of protesters on February 17.

Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, is ruled by the Sunni Muslim al-Khalifa family, but two-thirds of the population are Shiite. In recent years, younger Shiites have staged violent protests to complain about discrimination, unemployment and corruption.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-24