Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images A Shiite Muslim reading the Koran before starting an anti-government rally in solidarity with jailed human rights and political activists in the village of Sitra, south of Manama, Bahrain, in the early hours of August 14, 2012. Several activists have been sent to jail since the start of Shiite led pro-democracy protests in the Gulf kingdom February 2011.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images Shiite Muslims run for cover from tear gas and bird shots fired by riot police in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images Shiite Muslims take part in a demonstration in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images An elderly Shiite Muslim man walks along a street during clashes between protestors and riot police in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images Riot police try to disperse a demonstration in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images A Shiite protester throwing Molotov cocktails towards riot police, who fired tear gas and birdshot in response, during clashes following a demonstration in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images Shiite Muslims attend a demonstration in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Reuters reports — Bahrain's Shiites complain they have long been marginalized in political and economic life, which the government denies. But there has been no progress on the main opposition demand for a parliament with full powers to legislate and form governments.

Bahrain's Sunni rulers have rejected opposition calls for an elected government, and protests and clashes with police continue.

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