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January 5, 2012

Bahraini Forces Tear Gas Demonstrators 
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Demonstrations are continuing in Bahrain against the U.S.-backed Sunni
monarchy months after the first pro-democracy protests broke out. On
Wednesday, Bahraini forces tear-gassed a crowd of peaceful protesters
who had approached a line of police officers with their arms
outstretched, indicating their peaceful intent. Video footage shows
Bahraini forces unleashing large amounts of of tear gas into the crowd.
The demonstrators had gathered to protest the death of a 15-year-old boy
who died last week after he was shot in the face with a tear gas
canister. A second Bahraini protester died on Monday as a result of
excessive tear gas inhalation. Human rights groups say more than 50
people have been killed since the Bahraini government launched its
crackdown on protesters in February. Bahrain is a key strategic ally of
the United States in the Middle East and home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth
Fleet.



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