Bahrain opposition marches against govt

THOUSANDS of supporters of Bahrain's Shi'ite-led opposition today began an anti-regime demonstration organisers expect to be the largest since protests broke out last week.

"The march of loyalty to martyrs" read a large banner carried at the front of the demonstration, which was heading from Manama's Bahrain Mall to Pearl Square in the city centre, focal point of anti-government protests since February 14.

The banner carried photographs of seven "martyrs" killed by security forces, the last of whom succumbed to his wounds yesterday and was buried earlier today.

"The people want the fall of the regime," they chanted in unison, as they waved red-and-white Bahraini flags.

Women in black veils chanted slogans against Bahrain monarch Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa.

"May your hands be paralysed, Hamad," they shouted.

"Down down Khalifa," the crowds chanted, condemning Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman, the uncle of king Hamad who has been in office since 1971 and who is widely despised by the Shi'ites.

Ibrahim al-Sharif, a Sunni secularist leading opposition activist, has predicted today's rally would be "the largest for the opposition".