- Global Voices - https://globalvoices.org -

Bahrain: Protests Block National Assembly Building

· Written by Yacoub Al-Slaise

Categories: Middle East & North Africa, Bahrain, Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, Politics, Protest

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011 [1].

Anti government protesters on Monday morning blocked the National Council building where both Parliament and the Shura (Consultative) Councils hold their weekly sessions. The reason for the protest in front of the National Assembly is to topple the bicameral system in addition to the protesters’ other demands for a new constitution and the toppling of the regime.

The National Assembly is made up of 40 members of Parliament, elected by the people, and another 40 Shura Council members, appointed by the King.

@Nabeelrajab [2] #Bahrain #feb14 في تطور نوعي المتظاهرون يحوطون بمجلس الشورى والنواب في البحرين

In a new development, protesters have surrounded the National Council buildings in Bahrain

@DrFAHAD3500 [3] 400 protesters blocking the main gate of the parliament… WTH we have work to do!!!

Protesters block the entrance of the National Council buildings in Manama. Image courtesy of Bahrain Online [4]

Protesters block the entrance of the National Council buildings in Manama. Image courtesy of Bahrain Online

@bahrain14feb [5] @manamavoice1 صوت المنامة #14Feb #Bahrain فيديو ٢ لإغلاق شباب ١٤ فبراير بوابة مجلس الشورى http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0n-jhLD-Cs

Video of February 14 Youth blocking the entrance to Al-Shura council building


Video uploaded by YouTube user manamavoice1 [6]

In a friendly gesture, Al-Shura council staff brought water to the protesters..

@manamavoice1 [7] #14Feb #Bahrain مجلس الشورى يوزع الماء علي المحتجين والشباب يرد عليهم شكرًا لكم http://yfrog.com/gy48sypj [8]

Al-Shura council staff bringing water bottles for the protesters out the National Council building [8]

Al-Shura council staff bringing water bottles for the protesters out the National Council building

Al-Shura Council give out water bottles to the protesters and the youth say ‘Thank You'!

Although some reports said that only eight of the original 40 Shura council members were attending the session, other reports said that the Shura council decided to hold an extraordinary session to discuss the current situation in the country.

@manamavoice1 [9] #14Feb #Bahrain يوجد حاليا في مجلس الشورى فقط ٨ اعضاء وصدر قرار من المجلس غلق الأبواب ومنع دخول اي احد ومن المتوقع ان تلغى الجلسة

There are currently eight members and an order was made to lockdown the gates and prevent anyone entering the building, with the session most likely to be cancelled

@ifowzan [10] مجلس الشورى ينهي جلسته بقرار عقد جلسة استثنائية يوم الأربعاء لمناقشة الأوضاع في البلاد ورفع توصياته الى طاولة الحوارالوطني..

The Shura council closes its session with the decision of holding an extraordinary session on Wednesday to discuss the current situation in the country and raise its issues and suggestions for the upcoming National Dialogue

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011 [1].