Bahrain: State TV Says Protesters Had Swords, Guns and Ammunition · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.
Bahrain Television just aired the government's account of today's pre-dawn raid on protesters gathered at Pearl Roundabout in the capital Manama, which left five people dead, scores injured and up to 60 people missing and still unaccounted for.
From the United Arab Emirates (UAE), tweep Sultan Al Qassemi covered the programme, which claimed that the protesters were warned about the attack. However, a Twitter post early this morning said that protestors were told to stay put, as reported by Global Voices.
The programme also showed graphic footage of injuries to security forces, as well as arms, ammunition and swords said to belong to protesters. Meanwhile the debate continues in the Bahraini twittersphere on what happened early this morning and why.
Here is a snapshot of reactions:
@BahrainRights: “@AJELive: @AJEnglish deaths from latest clashes have risen to five #Bahrain. Parademic says most patients at hospital have head injuries”
@SultanAlQassemi: Guns and bullets as shown on Bahrain TV http://yfrog.com/h7e2wvj http://yfrog.com/h01yazlj
@SultanAlQassemi: Outside as inside a makeshift caravan kitchen. From Bahrain TV http://yfrog.com/h6xdqtaj http://yfrog.com/gytwzkqj
@SultanAlQassemi: More swords and knives on Bahrain TV http://yfrog.com/h7woslgj http://yfrog.com/hsdktauj http://yfrog.com/h7ybfutj
@mahmood: @SultanAlQassemi of course as a responsible journalist, you would add “unverified” to your fervent comments, right?
@amalandaplan: @SultanAlQassemi I really would not trust Bahrain TV
@iLandBahrain: BTV showed one part of the truth. Other media showing other parts. Bias of all sources is expected, yet I find it nauseating..
@iLandBahrain: Question remains: What was the rationale? why was the raid ordered? Raiding protestors is always last resort after dialogue, not first.
@ammar456: More Qs for BTV:Why were tanks deployed? Why did it take 12hrs to post footage? Why was live feed site to #lulu blocked 1hr earlier? Kthxbye
@alaali: In BTV video, I can hear the people saying: “simiya” peaceful. Anyone heard that too? #Bahrain
@amalandaplan: FLASH: #Bahrain opposition MP says about 60 people missing after police storm protest camp
@nadooi_wish: That did not help the economy if that was your concern at all #Bahrain
@mahmood: @ahmedalsairafi some injuries were real & few weapons were there sure. Felt other injuries were staged/fake & exaggerated planted evidence
@alibinkhalifa: @NickKristof Did he tell you about the Hizbullah flags and weapons that were stored between what you call “peaceful demonstrator”.
@SuhailAlgosaibi: @JustAmira I think it's dangerous for one side to claim the *only* truth. We've seen many many lies from the protestors as well…
@razaniyat: RT @TrellaLB: guys plz don't change your locations to #bahrain or any other hot zone so we can keep track of ppl on field don't confuse us
@Sandmonkey: Dear Western Media, do not call the Bahrain revolution the “Lulu” revolution. U r making us look cute. #WeAreScaryArabs #BOOO
@algergawi: It is now 3.10 pm. Following GCC FMs extraordinary meeting tonight Bahrain's FM will make a statement. Protests planned for tomorrow. #Feb14
@algergawi: Suffice to say, the next 24 hours will be of Bahraini historic significance. #Feb14
The programme has raised more questions than answers.
This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.