The shooting death of a 16-year-old Shia Muslim protester has prompted thousands of angry mourners to join a huge funeral procession outside the capital Manama, raising fears of a possible clash with security forces. Ahmed Jaber al-Qattan was hit by bird shot fired by security forces in the chest at close range during a demonstration on Thursday night in the village of Abu Saiba, west of Manama, according to opposition activists. The Interior Ministry has acknowledged that a medical exam by the public prosecutor found Qattan died of blood loss resulting from a bird shot injury but has not said who shot the teenager. The assistant undersecretary of legal affairs said on Friday that an investigation would be launched. "The martyrdom of young Jaber falls under the systematic oppression of those demanding democracy in Bahrain," al-Wefaq, the largest Shia opposition group, said in a statement on Friday. Al Jazeera's reporter in Bahrain said that at least 10,000 people had joined the funeral march for Qattan, chanting, "We will redeem you, Bahrain" and "Down with Hamad," a reference to King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, whose family has ruled the island monarchy for nearly 200 years. The march wound through the villages of Shakoora, Janusan and Karana, swelled with people incensed over the death of a teenager and that the Interior Ministry had confirmed it was the result of bird shot. Qattan was to be buried in Shakoora, his home town. Predominantly Shia protesters have been demanding more rights and governmental reform in the discriminate-ruled kingdom since the beginning of the year. Shias make up the majority of Bahrain's population. Security forces drove encamped demonstrators out of Manama's central Pearl Square, the focal point of protests, in March, but protesters have continued to come out to the streets in Shia villages. Hundreds of people have been arrested and scores dismissed from their jobs. Many are being tried in a special security court, and dozens have received lengthy jail sentences. Five people have been sentenced to death.
source : http://abna.ir
