Government critic's arrest sparks violence

The arrest of government critic Abdul Jalil Al Singace on Friday led to clashes in Bahrain.

This is his second arrest and it comes amid a renewed call by top leadership to punish 'instigators' or thsoe who 'stand in the way' of the country's development, reported the UAE daily Gulf News.

There were sporadic clashes in Shiite neighbourhoods in Bahrain and Al Singace's supporters gathered in front of the Public Prosecution offices demanding his release.

King Hamad bin Eisa Al Khalifa said all forms of incitement carried out by instigators must be halted, with instigators bearing full responsibility for their actions, reported BNA.

Al Singace, who also chairs the human rights office of Haq, had addressed a seminar in the British House of Lords on August 5, where he spoke about human rights conditions in the island nation.

Bahrain will elect a new parliament in two months and is struggling to maintain harmony amid sectarian strife.