Tear gas fired at Bahrain protesters

POLICE fired tear gas and water cannon yesterday at demonstrators protesting against Bahrain’s royal family in one of the most violent confrontations since troops killed seven protesters last month.

Bahrain’s crown prince offered the mainly Shi’ite opposition assurances that national dialogue would address their demands, hours after the protesters built barricades across the highway leading to Bahrain Financial Harbour.

“Investment in Bahrain is for everyone not just one person,” said Ali, a protester at the Financial Harbour which has become a symbol of what protesters say are royal excesses. “That’s why we have problems. It’s not about Sunnis and Shi’ites.”