Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Bahraini capital Manama on Friday to demand the resignation of the cabinet, dpa reported.
It was the latest in a series of demonstrations sweeping the small Gulf since February 14. They also called for the prosecution of police and military commanders that gave the go ahead for the use of live fire on peaceful protesters.
On Wednesday the government said it had released 308 political prisoners, many of whom claimed to have been tortured.
Those released included 25 Shiite Muslim activists who had been accused of attempting to overthrow King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his government, Arab media reported.
The government said that claims of torture would be investigated.
The king has also called for dialogue between the government and the opposition.
Shiite Muslims make up over 70 per cent of Bahrain's population but have been politically underrepresented under the rule of King al-Khalifa, himself a Sunni Muslim.
Manama's Lulu Square has been the focal point of the protests, inspired by successful anti-government movements in Tunisia and Egypt.
...