MANAMA, Bahrain, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A former Bahraini lawmaker has accused authorities of deliberately harming anti-government demonstrators at a protest in Manama.
Mattar Ebahim, a former member of Parliament from the opposition al-Wefaq party, said authorities injured and arrested many protesters Friday, al-Akhbar reported.
Ebahim said at least 13 people were injured after police tried to disperse protesters using teargas, batons, stun grenades and sound bombs.
"They are targeting the protesters directly with tear gas canisters. This leads to many injuries and casualties. Also they are using sound bombs and targeting people directly," Ebahim said.
Thousands rallied at the "No Withdrawal" protest in various parts of the capital Manama, as well as Duraz, Karbabad and Bilad al-Qadeem.
Protesters, who gathered for democratic reforms, said they will not back down from their demands for change.
"The protesters will continue and will not withdraw from protesting," Ebahim said.
Well-known Bahraini activist Nabeel Rajab joined about 3,000 protesters in the center of the capital.
Last week, Rajab was allegedly severely beaten by authorities during a protest. Bahraini officials said Rajab was already injured when he was found by police.
