Security personnel deployed in force in Bahrain on Sunday after calls by the opposition and activists for protests to mark the first anniversary of the Gulf kingdom's uprising, activists and witnesses said.
Activists had called for demonstrations on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday towards Manama's former Pearl Square, focal point of the Shiite-dominated protest that erupted last February 14 and was crushed a month later, said Mohammed Maskati, head of the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights.
Witnesses reported a heavy security presence at main junctions in the capital Manama from Sunday morning, especially at the Al-Farook interchange that was built on Pearl Square, which was razed a day after the protest was crushed.
Several checkpoints were set up and caused traffic jams, especially around the afternoon rush hour, they added.
Last year's crackdown by the Sunni-ruled nation led to the deaths of 35 people, including five security personnel and five detainees who were tortured to death, an independent commission of inquiry appointed by King Hamad found.
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